Reading of the Law of God
Enter by the narrow
gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and
those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that
leads to life, and those who find it are few. Matthew 7.13-14
Confession of Sin
Our Father, forgive
us when we complain about the difficulties of living as faithful disciples in
this fallen world. Our Lord Jesus told us that the way to life would be hard.
Forgive us and convince our hearts that the difficulties are more than worth it
since this is the way by which we will gain eternal life. Amen.
Declaration of Pardon
Once you were not a
people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now
you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:10
May the God of love
and power forgive you and free you from your sins, heal and strengthen you by
his Spirit, and raise you to new life in Christ our Lord.
The Book of Common Prayer