Reading of the Law of God
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot
be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand,
and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine
before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your
Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5.14-16
Confession of Sin
Our Father, forgive us. We find it so easy to hide the light
of the Gospel that You have entrusted to us. We give in to our fears before the
world and to the pressure to conform and not make waves. We recognize this as
an offense against You, the God who has loved us so. We ask that You might
cover this sin by the blood of Jesus and that, by Your Holy Spirit, You might make us bold to shine with the
Gospel before a needy world. Amen.
Declaration of Pardon
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the
truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive
us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1.8-9