Sabbath Quiet: At The End Of The Day

If we wish to hide from the penetrating gaze of holy love, it is because we know it falls on what is unholy and unloving within us. ~Marjorie Thompson

At The End Of The Day

The end must always inform the beginning. How can God be worthy of next year’s dreams if he can’t be trusted with the past year’s failure?

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

A Confession

Father, I confess,

I have been greedy, ever wanting more. More things, more blessings–my eyes stray to the plates of others and I miss what you have, with care and intention, placed on mine.

I have been self-righteous and smug about the sin of others, quick to lament the wickedness of the world, but angry when my own sin is held to the light.

I have rushed to judgment, quick to assume the worst of you, of life, of others, and have been slow to listen and understand.

I have let others think for me, preferring contentious commentary over prayer and wise discernment.

I have let others give for me, preferring the ease of writing a check to the demands of walking with someone in need.

I have hardened my heart in self-protection, dreading hurt more than I  fear a broken relationship.

Arrogant and entitled, I have lived as if my needs matter most.

Shallow and short-sighted, I have sought cosmetic fixes and avoided deep change.

Lazy and comfort-loving, I have buried my talents and gifts and left the darkness around me unchallenged.

Forgive me, Father and re-make me in your image,

In Jesus name, Amen.

And You?

What do you need to lay before God at the end of the day, the end of this year? What sins have held you in their deadly grip? Confess and be set free.

“Most merciful God,

we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.

We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.

We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.

For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name.

Amen.”

~Book of Common Prayer