Reading of the Law of God
For the love of Christ controls us, because we have
concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died
for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him
who for their sake died and was raised. 2 Corinthians 5.14-15
Confession of Sin
Our Father, we know the teaching of the Scriptures and do
sincerely confess that Jesus is Lord over our lives. But we too often find
ourselves living for ourselves. We too often look to our own desires and goals in
order to decide what we will do. In times like these we fail to submit to
Jesus’ gracious lordship over our lives. We ask that you would forgive us this
sin. We ask that, more and more, we would gladly submit to Jesus’ lordship and
in this way experience the fullness of life that will bring honor to You. Amen.
Declaration of Pardon
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and
abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his
anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us
according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so
great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is
from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. Psalm 103.8-12