Reading of the Law
of God
But according to his
promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness
dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be
found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. 2 Peter 3.13-14
Confession of Sin
Our Father, we thank
You for the great promise of the coming new heavens and new earth where life
will be so very different and so much better. We hear Your command for us to
prepare for its coming by diligently pursuing purity and peace. We regret that our
zeal for these things is not what it should be. We confess that we are
satisfied with a level of piety that doesn’t satisfy You. Forgive us our sin.
Grant grace so that this would be a priority for us so that we, Your children,
might please You, our Father. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Declaration of
Pardon
Go, and proclaim
these words toward the north, and say, “‘Return, faithless Israel, declares the
LORD. I will not look on you in anger, for I am merciful, declares the LORD; I
will not be angry forever. Jeremiah 3:12
God, the Father of
mercies, has reconciled the world to himself through the death and resurrection
of his Son, Jesus Christ, not counting our trespasses against us, but sending
his Holy Spirit to shed abroad his love among us. By the ministry of reconciliation
entrusted by Christ to his Church, receive his pardon and peace to stand before
him in his strength alone, this day and evermore.
The Book of Common
Prayer