CONFESSING OUR SINS (39)
From Ephesians 5 and 6
(*The bracketed section may be omitted)


O God, the Father of us all, we come to you in sorrow, for we have often failed you:
Lord, forgive us, and help us to obey.

You have taught us: 'Honour your father and mother, that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.' We have often failed you:
Lord, forgive us, and help us to obey.

Children
You have taught us as children: 'Obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.' We have often failed you:
Lord, forgive us, and help us to obey.

Fathers
You have taught us as fathers: 'Do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.' We have often failed you:
Lord, forgive us, and help us to obey.

Mothers
You have taught us as mothers to live with sincere faith and bring our children to Christ. We have often failed you:
Lord, forgive us, and help us to obey.

[Husbands
You have taught us as husbands: 'Love your wives as you love yourselves.' We have often failed you:
Lord, forgive us, and help us to obey.

Wives
You have taught us as wives: 'Respect your husbands.' We have often failed you:
Lord, forgive us, and help us to obey.]

Minister or All
You have taught us as the Christian family: 'Submit to one another
out of reverence for Christ.'
We have often failed you:
Lord, forgive us, and help us to obey.

Father,
help us all to hear your word,
and to obey it;
for Jesus' sake. Amen.