For a Penitent Spirit
Heavenly Father,
Sundays are sacred. The pattern of confession and absolution in worship reminds me that daily I die to sin and am raised to new life in Christ, and this only by the power of the gospel. Renew my spirit in worship this morning as in different ways it calls to mind my baptismal life and feeds my hungry soul through the Supper whenever it is offered. Grant me a penitent spirit, one that is not only aware of my sin and sorry for it, but also willing and open to confess it. Guard my heart from being deceived into thinking I could somehow hide any sin. Then, as I depart your house of worship this morning, always surround me with dedicated brothers in Christ who are bold and unafraid to point out the sin in me which I either can’t see or refuse to see on my own. And make us all even more eager to assure each other of your unconditional forgiveness.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.