One of my favorite elements of a worship service is a confession of sin and the subsequent assurance of pardon. At Grace Fellowship Church we include this in almost every service and, from time to time, I like to share an example. Here is how we confessed our sins together using Psalm 32 as our guide.
We just sang together, “All the redeemed washed in his blood / Come and rejoice in his great love!” One of the ways God displays his great love for us in his willingness to forgive us. Even as we continually sin against him, he continues to forgive and restore us. I’d like you to join me now as we confess our sins based on the words and thoughts of Psalm 32. I will read the parts marked “Leader” while you follow Josh by reading aloud the parts marked “Church.” Let’s confess our sins together.
Leader:
Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the person against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
Church:
When we hide our sins, our souls shrivel up. We internally groan all day long. You will lay your hand of discipline on us, and our strength will dry up if we do not turn.
Leader:
Dear church, acknowledge your sin to God, and do not cover up your iniquity!
Church:
We will confess our transgressions to the LORD, and he will forgive the iniquity of our sin.
Leader:
Let everyone who is godly offer prayer to God at a time when he may be found. Surely in the Day of Judgment, it will be too late!
Church:
You are our hiding place, O Lord. You preserve us from trouble; you surround us with shouts of deliverance. Forgive us of all of our sins.
Leader:
The Lord does forgive you and tells you, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Do not be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you. Instead, listen to me.”
Church:
Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.
Leader:
Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the person against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
