Based on Psalm 51 and the Comfortable Words of the Gospel
The people may kneel or bow their heads in a posture of humility.
The Call to Confession
Minister: Hear the words of our Lord Jesus Christ to all who truly turn to Him: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Beloved, let us not deceive ourselves or hide our sin, but confess it honestly before the God who already knows us fully and loves us still.
The Confession
Minister: Have mercy on us, O God —
People: According to Your steadfast love; according to Your great compassion, blot out our transgressions.
Minister: Wash us thoroughly from our iniquity —
People: And cleanse us from our sin.
Minister: For we know our transgressions —
People: And our sin is ever before us.
All together: Against You, and You alone, have we sinned and done what is evil in Your sight. We were brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did our mothers conceive us. Yet You desire truth in the inward parts. Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. Cast us not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from us. Restore to us the joy of Your salvation, and uphold us with a willing spirit. Amen.
A Moment of Silent Confession
The people are invited to bring their particular sins before God in silence.
The Comfortable Words
The minister lifts their voice with confidence and joy.
Minister: Hear the comfortable words of the Gospel — words of grace for all who have confessed their sin with honest and contrite hearts.
“God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” — 1 Timothy 1:15
“If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father — Jesus Christ the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” — 1 John 2:1-2
“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” — Isaiah 1:18
The Assurance of Pardon
Minister: Let us hear the promise of God from His own Word. Scripture declares:
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9
Beloved, you have confessed. He is faithful. His Word does not return void. Receive by faith what God has already promised — full forgiveness, complete cleansing, and restored fellowship with your heavenly Father — not because of anything we have done, but because of the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
People: Thanks be to God!
The Response of the Forgiven
All together: O Lord, open our lips — And our mouths shall declare Your praise.
You would not despise a broken and contrite heart, O God — and so we offer You ours. Wash us, and we shall be whiter than snow. Let the bones You have broken rejoice. Restore to us the joy of Your salvation, that we might teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners might return to You.
To You be all glory, honor, and praise — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — now and forever.
Amen.
The people may rise.
This liturgy may be used in corporate worship, small group settings, or as a guide for private devotional confession.
Chuck Anderson 