Confession and prayer

At times of great crises in the earlier part of our country’s history, such as during the conflict with Great Britain leading up to the Revolution, during the Revolution itself, during the Civil War, and at other times, there were days of general prayer, fasting, humiliation, and confession to God, when the people as a community sought to purify themselves before God and asked for the nation to be delivered from the threats that encompassed it. Yet, today, in the midst of one of the greatest crises our country has ever faced, not a threat from an external enemy, or a threat of national disintegration, but a political threat from within to transform our government into a tyranny, our side has made precious little reference to God or to prayer.

Here, then, is the General Confession, from the Morning Prayer in the Anglican service, from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer. It is meant to be said in church, but can also be said privately.

General Confession.

To be said by the whole Congregation. after the Minister, all kneeling.

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.

Posted by Lawrence Auster at March 21, 2010 02:30 PM | Send