Invitation, Confession and Pardon for the Second Sunday in Lent, Year B

We come to the table of our Lord
recognizing our need for divine grace.
In humility, let us confess our sins before God and one another.

Confession and Pardon (Unison)

Merciful God,
we confess that we do not want to be challenged by the cross.
We set our minds on human things—
we long for the security from our possessions;
we prefer our own comfort;
Forgive us, we pray.
May our sense of self preservation
be disturbed by your Son's example;
that we might take up his cross in service to the world;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Silence

Hear the good news:
Christ died for us while we were yet sinners.
The Mighty One has sent his deliverance for all people;
even the generations yet unborn.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!

In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
Glory to God! Amen.

Ben Gosden serves as Associate Pastor of Mulberry Street United Methodist Church, Macon, Georgia.