confession.

Almighty, eternal, most just and gracious God, help us to know that all things are shadows, but you are substance; all things are quicksand, but you are mountain; all things are shifting, but you are anchor; all things are ignorance, but you are wisdom.

 You are thrice holy, yet my life abounds with apologies not made, repentance not completed, forgiveness not offered, brothers not respected, reputations not defended, peace not pursued, neighbors not loved, Sabbaths not kept, appetites not restrained, parents not honored, spouses not cherished, children not trained, prisoners not visited, strangers not clothed, hungry not fed, providences ignored, envy unchecked, prayers unspoken, fears not conquered, truth not defended, sheep not fed, feet unmoved, tongues unbridled, eyes unguarded, time wasted, talents wasted, treasure wasted.

 Lord Jesus, deliver me from these chains, from wretchedness of the old ways that still hang on, from the sugar of sin as well as its gall, so that with earnest heart searching I may come to you, cast myself on you, cry to you and be delivered by you.

– 31st General Assembly PCA