Gracious and Merciful Father, 

We come before you to confess our sin as Your redeemed and beloved children. May Your Spirit alone convict us of our sin and remind us of our pardon in Christ through repentance. 

We confess that we often fail to recognize how our sins and lack of repentance diminish the health and effectiveness of our local church (Zephaniah 1:4-18).

We confess these things before You because You are faithful to forgive us in Christ. 

Bless us with the assurance of our pardon by Your Holy Spirit in Christ alone by faith alone through Your grace alone from Your Word.

Amen.