Prayer of Confession

Gracious God, we bring into your tender presence, what seems always to be with us: broken things within us that never seem to mend; empty places within us that always seem to ache; buds within us that never seem to flower. O God of love and grace, help us to accept ourselves.  Lead us to do those good and true things that are not compromised by anything within us. In your strength and in your mercy, mend us, fill us, make us bloom, so that our lives may show forth your glory. Amen.

--from Federated Church, Orleans MA, June 5 2011 Sunday service led by Pastor Sally Norris, photo by David Green, Orleans MA, spring 2010