Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
CONFESSION + REPENTANCE
God, we have believed things about You that have kept You at arm’s length. We have held onto images of You that end up falling short. We have understood You love us, but we find it hard to believe You also like us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
We confess when unhealthy expectations have led us to hard-heartedness, in our relationship with You and with others. Take our hard hearts and make them tender once more.
Lord, have mercy on us.
We have judged our brothers and sisters in the human family by showing favoritism, unconsciously believing You like some people more than others. Teach us to see those who You are especially fond of as worthy of love.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.
Amen.
(silence)
INTERCESSION
For the orphans among us, those who have been abandoned and feel worthless.
Soften our hearts, God.
For the widows among us, who have lost dreams of the future and feel disillusioned with life.
Soften our hearts, God.
For the foreigners among us, who struggle to find their place in the world and feel lost and scared.
Soften our hearts, God.
For the poor in spirit, for those who mourn, for the meek, for those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.
In their time of need, shine upon them with Your loving kindness.
For the merciful, for the pure in heart, for the peacemakers, and for the persecuted.
In their faithful presence, may You reveal Your heart for the whole world