Prayer: "Confessions" by Pat Bennett

 God of the liminal places, 

you draw us into the quietness of the desert 

so that we can encounter ourselves… 

But we confess that all too often 

we stubbornly cling to false images 

rather than face the necessity of change. 

  

You call us into the emptiness of the desert 

so that we can confront our desires… 

But we confess that all too often 

we continue to choose our own comfort 

rather than serving the needs of others. 

  

You drive us into the dangers of the desert 

so that we can engage with your Kingdom … 

But we confess that all too often 

we prefer the smooth roads of safety 

over the perilous pathways of justice. 

  

Forgive us, O God, 

wherever we have chosen to be, or do, or dare 

less than you have asked of us; 

and as we walk on in the desert with you 

help us watch and wrestle with these things 

so that we might choose differently in future. 

  

Pat Bennett, from the download Walking in the Wilderness, a Communion liturgy for the Season of Lent