We come to this night as we do every year to remember.
To recall the sacrifice our Savior, Jesus made for us.
But we cannot kneel at the cross without acknowledging why. Tonight we will also remember the sin that put Him there. Our sin.
So tonight we walk through the darkness of our lives in order to reach the light of our Savior’s presence. Knowing that confession and repentance brings freedom and cleanses us.
We take time to confess our idols: Money. Food.
Government. Work. Video games. Television.
Phones. Computers. Even loved ones. Anything that stands in the way of God being first in our lives.
My Lord and my God, I claim You as the Source and Object of my life.
We take time to confess our pride and arrogance. Our self-centeredness. Our selfishness. Our expectation that others should do or be what we, ourselves, are not. Putting ourselves ahead of others instead of following our Savior’s example of service.
Father, You are first, not us. Our desires are not centered on ourselves, but are rooted in Your kingdom.
We take time to confess sins of omission: Good or helpful things that were in front of us that we could’ve done and didn’t. Praying fleeting prayers where intensity was required. Withholding good words. Living lives of careless indifference.
Jesus, although You are God’s Son, You spent Your time here on earth in healing, loving, and showing what God is like. We will do the same.
We take time to confess our sins against ourselves: Our addictions, even seemingly harmless ones. Our self-condemnation. Our negative self-talk. Holding onto the shame of things that Jesus has forgiven.
Jesus, we thank you for Your blood that removes Satan’s accusing power over us.
We take time to confess our sins against others: Gossip. Lust. Harsh speech. Unkindness. Holding a grudge. Having an unforgiving spirit. Using God’s gift of grace as a license for immorality.
Father, forgive us our sins as we forgive those who have sinned against us.
We take time to confess our sins against God: Finding little time to spend with Him in Bible-reading, prayer, and meditation. Dismissing our responsibilities to be God’s representatives in the world. Ignoring His Spirit. Ignoring His whispers. Laziness in seeking Him and His will. Tolerating evil instead of hating it.
O God, Who hears the faintest whisper of the weakest of Your children, we are unworthy. But we will stand for holiness as God’s holy people. Cause us to delight in Your Word and Your presence.