Confession and Forgiveness

Following is part of the most humbling yet meaningful parts of our church service.

Confession and Forgiveness

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, 

all desires known, and from whom 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 

Jesus Christ our Lord....

Most merciful God,

We confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves.  We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, 

by what we have done and 

by what we have left undone.  

We have not loved you with our whole heart; 

we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.  

For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us.  Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, 

so that we may delight in your will 

and walk in your ways, 

to the glory of your holy name.  Amen.

 In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was 

given to die for us, and for his sake 

God forgives us all our sins.  

Eternal God, before Your Throne

Eternal God, before your throne we bend,

Your grace to seek, your holy name to bless;

Our grateful hearts in humble praise ascend

To you whose ways are truth and righteousness.

With all the host of heaven we adore

Your matchless holy love forevermore!

Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior and our friend,

Whom angels praise before the throne on high:

How vast your love, to love us to the end

And on the cruel cross to bleed and die!

O blest Redeemer, hear your children pray;

O Lamb of God, take all our sins away!

O Holy Spirit, truth and peace divine,

Descend to us in all your saving pow'r,

And kindle flames of love and faith to shine

Within our yearning hearts this sacred hour!

Make plain the Father's will, the Savior's love,

And fit us all to dwell with you above.

Text:  Ernest E. Ryden,, born 1886

Tune: Carl W. Landahl, 1908-1961