Prayer for Forgiveness     by Rev. Douglas Taylor      

Eternal Spirit, from Whom all things come and to Whom all things return

We gather this morning as a community of faithful seekers

Firm in our belief that the Spirit of Life and Love moving among all people pays little heed to the human boundaries of denomination, creed and sect.

We gather in reverent exploration during this time of atonement, repentance, and forgiveness

For the blessings of a new day, the company of good people, and the joys of simple things: we give thanks

And for the revival of faith among the shifting sands of life: let us remember and give thanks indeed

Remind us, O Spirit, to be gentle with others and with ourselves, for we all carry burdens, we all are broken in some way.

Humbly, we reflect on the places where there is brokenness in our lives that we had a hand in.

Forgive us for the times we have held back in selfishness and for those times we have struck out in anger

Forgive us for the times we have remained silent when our words would have helped and for those times we spoke out and our words have caused injury

Forgive us for the times we have let fear dictate our actions and for the times we have ignored or dismissed the fears of others

Forgive us as we, in our imperfect way, seek to forgive others and seek forgiveness for ourselves

We give thanks, O Spirit, for our second chances, for our new day unfolding, for our opportunities to begin again in love

Let us move forward from this moment, ready to offer blessings to the world as we ourselves have been blessed

This we ask in the name of all that is holy,

May it be so