Sovereign God, You have made us for Yourself and our hearts are restless until we find our rest in You.
Just as Israel asked for kings and rulers, we put too much trust in earthly power. We confess that we turn our desire for Your righteous justice and authority into idolizing people and positions of power, thinking they can save us.
Just as Sarah doubted Your promises, we rely on the wisdom of the world. We confess that in wanting to be like You, God, we have become a god ourselves. Our desire for control often looks like doubting Your faithfulness and timing, thinking we know better than You do.
Just as the Pharisees relied on legalism and self-righteousness, we often trade humility for haughtiness. We confess that we turn our desire for Your holy perfection into judgment on others and a lack of self-examination, leading us to distance ourselves from You and from civic life around us instead of drawing near and engaging.
Just as the Jews in the New Testament church struggled to let go of old ways to embrace Gentile believers, we encamp ourselves with those who are like us. We confess that we do not embrace the beauty of the diversity of Your kingdom.
Just as Peter denied you three times, we often hesitate to let our words reflect our relationship with You. We confess too little and internalize too much by not speaking up to defend those made in Your image, failing to show the world that life matters from beginning to end.
Just as the priest and the Levite in the parable of the Good Samaritan passed by the one who was hurting, we often refuse to help those around us when it is not convenient or socially beneficial. We confess that we turn our desire for Your peace into seeking comfortable lives that keep us distant from those in need.
We know that the blood of Jesus was shed to cleanse us from these sins and all our unrighteousness.
We thank You for Your forgiveness and grace, and we ask that Your Holy Spirit would enable us to turn from these sins, leave our simple ways and walk in the way of insight.
Amen.
ABOUT THE BLOGGER:
Originally from Georgia, Mary Beth Gombita is a lover of sweet tea, a proud Georgia Bulldog and an avid music fan. She works in public relations, running her own communications consulting business from home. Mary Beth and her husband, Stephen, have two young sons. She is currently the editor of our Willowdale Women blog.