Prayer of Confession: Fear and Enemy-Making

Almighty and merciful God,
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
We confess that we have too often walked in the counsel of fear.
Where You have called us to trust, we have sought security for ourselves.
Where You have called us to love our neighbours, we have drawn lines of exclusion.
Where You have called us to bless our enemies, we have harboured resentment in our hearts.
We have judged those we do not understand,
Repeated accusations without seeking truth,
And participated in the divisions that wound Your creation.

Forgive us, O Lord, and free us from the bondage of fear.
Through Jesus Christ, who loved His enemies unto death
And returned peace for violence,
Renew our minds and soften our hearts,
That we may become ministers of reconciliation
And witnesses to Your kingdom of peace.

Amen.