Poverty and the Poor

Father may we be a people whose hearts value release.

May we abolish debts,

May we not

shut our hands

close our ears

blind our eyes

shut our hearts

To the cries of the poor.

Keep us from unworthy thoughts and from ignoring their cries.

May we remember that we were poor but that you have made us rich;

And may we rejoice at other’s wealth gained at our expense.

A Christmas Confession

Our Father in heaven,

We acknowledge that the only reason you would send a saviour is because we need saving…

You have been merciful to us.

You have performed mighty deeds so that we may know of your mercy.

You have redeemed your people.

You have saved and rescued us.

We confess to you our brokenness;

Our wilful rebellion;

Our toxic words;

Our self-centred actions;

Our desire to shake off the boundaries that you define;

Our attempt to live as if you are not there;

Our lack of compassion for those who need;

Our contempt for those different to ourselves;

Our indifference to the poor.

Forgive us and be merciful to us

Be merciful to our city.

Be merciful to our nation

Be merciful to our world

Remember your covenant to us.

Give us new hearts.

Give us your Spirit.

Forgive us

And make us like your Son Jesus.

We pray these things through our Immanuel, Jesus Christ, God with us

Amen

James 5:1-6; 2 Corinthians 8:9

My Father,

I am blessed and rich.

Thank you.

Forgive me 

where I have stolen from the poor;

where I have lacked compassion and hoarded wealth;

where I have lived in self-indulgent pleasure;

where I have fattened my body;

where gold and silver have corroded my heart;

where riches have rotted my values.

Forgive me 

because of the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ, 

who though he was rich yet for my sake became poor 

that by his poverty I might become rich.

Amen