A Concord Pastor Comments: Personal Inventory for Christmas

Advent is a perfect season for taking inventory of our hearts as we prepare to celebrate Christ's birthday.

This means taking time to stand in the light of the Lord's word to discern how we may have failed in loving God and our neighbor. For some of my readers, this will include receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation ("going to confession").

I'm pleased to share with you this litany from Bob Hostetler's Prayer Blog, the link for which you can always find on my sidebar. (With Bob's permission, I've slightly adapted his text.) This might be a starting point for all of us as we begin to take and Advent inventory of our hearts.

Oh, God…

I confess to being a jerk while driving (and at other times, too).
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to eating too much and drinking too much.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to giving too little when I have so much more than I need.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to putting so many things in my life before you.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to not being faithful to prayer and worship, especially on the Lord’s Day.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to losing my temper with children - and with adults.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to the selfishness of wanting to be noticed and admired.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to being smug and self-righteous.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to being ungracious toward others.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess not forgiving others as I would want to be forgiven.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to enjoying comfort and plenty as if I am entitled to them.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to lustful glances and unclean thoughts.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to being unfaithful to promises I have made.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess my envy and jealousy.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to language and humor that are rude and vulgar.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess my impatience and insensitivity.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess my prejudice and quick judgments.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess my covetousness.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess my hypocrisy.
Lord, have mercy.

Thank you for the mercy you promise, O God,
and for the cleansing and peace that are mine
through Christ Jesus the Lord.
Amen.