Time of Preparation
Begin by taking inventory of your surroundings. Are things in your vicinity conducive to a time of personal worship? Are there any changes or adjustments (turning off tech, making yourself comfortable) you need to make before you begin?
When you are ready, take some time to sit in silence and prepare your heart for worship. Ask God to clear away any distractions that might keep you from being truly present in this moment.
Confession
In this second movement, we simply see ourselves for who we are: people who need God.
“Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.”
—Psalm 130:1-2 (NIV)
You asked for my hands,
that you might use them for your purpose.
I gave them for a moment, then withdrew them,
for the work was hard.You asked for my mouth
to speak out against injustice.
I gave you a whisper that I might not be accused.You asked for my eyes
to see the pain of poverty.
I closed them, for I did not want to see.You asked for my life,
that you might work through me.
I gave a small part, that I might not get too involved.Lord, forgive my calculated efforts to serve you—
only when it is convenient for me to do so,
only in those places where it is safe to do so,
and only with those who make it easy to do so.Father, forgive me,
renew me, send me out
as a usable instrument,
that I might take seriously
the meaning of your cross. Amen.adapted from The Worship Sourcebook, ©2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources
SONG OF CONFESSION: We Fall Down (lyrics here)