Pause for Prayer: SATURDAY 3/29

In many parishes this weekend, the gospel will tell us the story of the prodigal son - or daughter, images of whom appear below. The art is by Charlie Mackesy (also the author-illustrator of The Boy, The Mole, the Fox and the Horse.)

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before turning to the prayer below, you might want to read again the story of the prodigal son.

The truth is, Lord,
I have sins I'm not sure I'm sorry for...

 Like the prodigal, Lord,

I know I've done things against your law
outside the bounds of your love:
    things I'm not proud of,    

    things I'm ashamed of,
    things I thought I needed to do,

    things I thought I had to do,

    things I wanted to do,

    things others talked me into doing, 
       - and so I did them...

I've sinned in ways I thought I never would, Lord,
    and now it's hard to name those things
        I thought I'd never do...

Help me return to you, Lord,
    with my heart's burden of
        sins so hard to name...

Pride keeps me from facing what I've done
and fear keeps me from naming how I've failed
    but your grace helps me pray for pardon...

Lord, help me face     

    the bad decisions I've made,
    the choices I wish I never had to face,
    the wounds I must bare for your healing
        that I might come home to you 

            with all my heart...

Give me a spirit of repentance, Lord...

Help me name my sins and know your mercy...

A heart contrite and humbled
    you'll never turn away...

I trust your mercy, Lord,
    and pray you'll bring me back to you this Lent,
        with all my heart...

Amen.

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