Reading of the Law of God
See what kind of
love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and
so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know
him. 1 John 3.1
Confession of Sin
Our Father, You have
been so kind and good in making us Your children. You have conferred upon us a
great blessing in granting us this assurance of Your awesome love. And yet, how
often we doubt You in this. How often we question the reality of Your love. How
often we act as if we are orphans left to find our own way, instead of acting
as the cherished children that we really are. We admit that this is a great sin
against Your loving, fatherly heart. We have no excuse. We can only ask for
forgiveness of our sin. We thank You that because You are a loving Father, You
graciously promise to forgive. We thank You for the Gospel of Jesus that makes
such forgiveness possible. Amen.
Declaration of Pardon
The steadfast love
of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every
morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
May almighty God,
who sent his Son into the world to save sinners, bring you his pardon and
peace, now and for ever.