Will you persevere in resisting evil,
and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
With the help of God, I will.
I don’t like to think of myself as a person capable of evil, but I know that most days I fall short of my own standards, let alone God’s. Turning to God again and again and asking forgiveness is very important and to avoid being selective about which wrongs we bring to him, try using someone else’s words, for example, the old fashioned language of the General Confession. It may bring different things to mind that need to be dealt with.
Almighty and most merciful Father,
We have wandered and strayed from your ways like lost sheep.
We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts.
We have offended against your holy laws.
We have left undone those things that we ought to have done;
and we have done those things that we ought not to have done;
and there is no health in us.
But you, O Lord, have mercy upon us sinners.
Spare those who confess their faults.
Restore those who are penitent, according to your promises declared to mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may live a disciplined, righteous and godly life, to the glory of your holy name.
Amen.
[Church of England]
Mairi Mowbray
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