Let Us Humble Ourselves and Pray

[Photo: DFG Hailson]

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land" (2Chronicles 7:14)

I woke this morning heavy of heart and was led to the Confession from the Book of Common Prayer that I am appending here. As I lament over our fallenness, as I look out on the spread of terror across the globe, and as I consider our own government that seems ineffective, and--at times--complicit in advancing terror and unrest, I must admit I wonder what time it is. Please join me in lifting this confession. Lord, have mercy upon us.

ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father; We have erred, and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against thy holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; And we have done those things which we ought not to have done; And there is no health in us. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare thou those, O God, who confess their faults. Restore thou those who are penitent; According to thy promises declared unto mankind In Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake; That we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, To the glory of thy holy Name. Amen.