A Prayer of Confession

Lord, you are the giver of life and the God of love.  
You made each person in your image, and you tell us in your word to love each other as you have loved us.
Yet, as we think over this past week, we know we have failed to follow that command.  
Forgive us Lord when instead of loving all people, we choose to love only those who are like us and are easy to love.
Forgive us when we turn away from people who look different or think differently.
We confess that we cannot love as you have commanded us to on our own.
You tell us that love lays down its life for others, and you showed us that on the cross.
But we are weak and selfish.
We cannot even lay down our preferences and rights for others, let alone our lives.
Teach us Lord.
Though we are weak, you are strong.  
Fill us with your love and compassion for all people so we have eyes to see those around us in need of love.
Give us hands and feet willing to reach out. 
Stir us to invite others to use their gifts for your glory. 
As you have loved us, help us to love others.  
In your name we pray,
Amen

Kate Kern is Outreach and Worship Director at Bethany Christian Reformed Church in Holland, Michigan.