A Confession

Lord, I confess
that like Eve I have doubted your love and good intentions
and so have sinned;

I confess
that like Cain I have let jealousy and hatred into my heart
and so have sinned;

I confess
that like Abraham I have been impatient with your timing
and so have sinned;

I confess
that like Jacob I have stolen blessings that belong to others
and so have sinned;

I confess
that like Moses I have reverted to familiar ways when you have given a new word,
and so have sinned;

I confess
that like David I have stayed behind in comfort when I should have led the way courageously,
and so have sinned;

I confess
that like Jonah I have resisted delivering divine messages I didn't much like,
and so have sinned;

I confess
that like Peter I have denied you around the campfires of those I feared,
and so have sinned;

I confess
that like Ananias and Sapphira I have tried to make myself look better than I am,
and so have sinned;

I confess
that like Simon Magus I have coveted others' spiritual power and gifts,
and so have sinned.

I confess
that even with all that, my confession is incomplete.
But I thank you that you hear my confession and forgive my sins,
and are faithful to cleanse me from all unrighteousness.

Grant that I may serve you in newness of life
and with a clean heart and an upright spirit,
to the glory of your name,
amen.