Betrayal -
sharing prayers of
confession
for our own betrayal
of Jesus
Read Matthew 7:24-27
and Matthew 25:31-46
Philippians 4:4-9
Jesus’ teaching
and a prayer for
peace
What do you make of these two
stories? Are you challenged to be a wise
builder and sheep or humbled too often like a foolish builder and a goat?
Betrayed by a close friend
betrayed by the authorities
betrayed by the whole crowd
We betrayed you, Jesus
forgive us
In the friend we let down
in the secret we let out
in the confidence we broke
we betrayed you, Jesus
forgive us
In the person we passed by
in the needs we ignored
in the victim we had no time for
we betrayed you, Jesus
forgive us
In the homeless person
we avoided
in the eyes we did not seek
in the wealth we did not share
we betrayed you, Jesus
forgive us
Then, you forgave, Jesus
Now, forgive
Put a new spirit within our hearts
of commitment to our community.
Be with those let down
by society
by employment, by their families
by friends and neighbours
and by themselves.
Put a new spirit within our hearts
of commitment to our community
Guide those in positions of power and influence
empower those who serve with sensitivity and compassion
put a new spirit within our hearts
of commitment to our community.
Our community is
your community
divided by 2000 years
but nothing more
Problems and needs
just the same
fear and isolation just the same
Then, you forgave
Now, you forgive
Jesus, unchanging
Jesus, for ever the same.
Use Psalm 51 as a
prayer of confession and in the Lord’s Prayer put everything once more into
God’s hands.
