Reading of the Law of God
Judge not, that you
be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with
the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that
is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or
how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when
there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your
own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's
eye. Matthew 7.1-5
Confession of Sin
Our Father, we are
very good at noticing the sins of others. We are quick to be critical of them
while excusing ourselves. We see their specks and miss our logs. And we get so
upset when someone mentions any of our sins. How sad. It must grieve your Spirit
greatly when we act this way. Please forgive us and change us for Jesus’ sake.
Amen.
Declaration of Pardon
He himself bore our
sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to
righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
May almighty
God, who sent his Son into the world
to save sinners, bring you his pardon and peace, now and for ever.
The Book of Common Prayer