A Prayer of Confession

Forgive us, Lord . . . for the things we have done that make us feel uncomfortable in Your presence. All the front that we polish so carefully for men to see does not deceive You. For you know every thought that has left its shadow on our memory. You have marked every motive that curdled something sweet within us.
We acknowledge--with bitterness and true repentance--that cross and selfish thoughts have entered our minds; we acknowledge that we have permitted our minds to wander through unclean and forbidden ways; we have toyed with that which we knew was not for us; we have desired that which we should not have.
We acknowledge that often we have deceived ourselves where our plain duty lay.

We confess before You that our ears are often deaf to the whisper of Thy call, our eyes often blind to the signs of your guidance,

Make us willing to be changed, even though it requires surgery of the soul and the therapy of discipline.

Make our hearts warm and soft, that we may receive now the blessing of Your forgiveness, the benediction of Your "Depart in peace . . and sin no more." Amen