note: these services and the Confessional Workbook can be emailed to you in a print ready
Word document in you decide to use them. For free of course.
A Season for Confession, Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Part I: A Season of Examination, Repentance and Forgiveness
Season of Brokenness Kick-Off Service
Day 1
Theme: Brokenness
Begin with the blowing of a horn or other type of action as a symbol of awakening the complacent and slumbering
The horn (or other action) that we just experienced is a symbol that calls us to action. Often in life we can
become complacent or we can allow things, even important things, to be pushed aside or put on the shelf.
The horn calls us to pay attention to what needs attention. It calls us to face life and do what needs doing.
So may we ‘wake up’ from our complacency, denial or dismissing and begin the journey to deal with life.
Song: On the theme of brokenness such as: You are my all in all (Dennis Jernigan), Amazing Grace,
Give us Clean Hands (Charlie Hall)
We are broken people and we are a people who have broken each other. Too often we experience these
breaks and just ‘move on’. We don’t try to pick up the pieces. We don’t work to repair damage. Instead
we just pretend like the brokenness doesn’t matter. Yet the brokenness does matter and just moving on doesn’t
repair that damage or heal the wounds. Over the next 25 days you and I are invited and encouraged to take part
in a season of Reflection, Self-Examination, Confession and Restoration. You won’t be forced to do anything.
You won’t have to ‘spill the darkness’ you feel inside. But you will be encourage to search and see what brokenness
you have caused and what God is inviting you to do about it. Many of us are carrying a heavy burden of guilt, regret
and sorrow because of things we have said or done. The brokenness we experience keeps us from finding God’s
wholeness and peace. Jesus invited us in Matthew 11:28-29 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and
I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find
rest for your souls.” Over these next 25 days we are invited to seek forgiveness, make amends and do the hard work
of rebuilding what we have, at least in some part, torn apart so that we can finally set that burden down.
Litany: (L=Leader, C=Community) – you might want to leave a pause after each C response for reflection
There also might be thin sticks (or uncooked spaghetti) that are handed out and broken by
participants after each community statement.
L: Merciful God, because we have not loved You with all of our heart, all of our soul, and all of our
strength;
C: We have brought brokenness to others and ourselves.
L: Because we have not loved one another even though we are all Your children;
C: We have brought brokenness to others and ourselves.
L: Because we have indulged in self-pity and self-condemnation;
C: We have brought brokenness to others and ourselves.
L: Because we have said false things about our neighbors, friends and even strangers through gossip,
backbiting and other ways;
C: We have brought brokenness to others and ourselves.
L: Because we have failed to share and show Christ’s presence to others by our words, attitude and
actions;
C: We have brought brokenness to others and ourselves.
L: Because we have been opinionated, possessive, and quarrelsome and have sown discord in Christ’s
Body, the Church;
C: We have brought brokenness to others and ourselves.
L: Because we have used our money, gifts, and talents to manipulate others for selfish purposes;
C: We have brought brokenness to others and ourselves.
L: Because we have ignored what others need to live and thrive;
C: We have brought brokenness to others and ourselves.
L: Because we have failed to show Your love to our family;
C: We have brought brokenness to others and ourselves.
L: Because we have held grudges and harbored resentments against others;
C: We have brought brokenness to others and ourselves.
L: Because we have judged others by appearance and have acted as if we know the motives, purposes and
desires of others;
C: We have brought brokenness to others and ourselves.
L: Because we have failed to appreciate, honor and pray for our leaders;
C: We have brought brokenness to others and ourselves.
L: Because we have spoken inappropriate and unwholesome words;
C: We have brought brokenness to others and ourselves.
L: Because we have attempted to satisfy our needs inappropriately and have not trusted You to give us
what will truly satisfy;
C: We have brought brokenness to others and ourselves.
L: Because we have failed to trust You to fulfill Your promises to us;
C: In all these things we have sinned and so have cause great brokenness, pain, and separation.
Special Music: “Better than a Hallelujah” by Sarah Heart and Chapin Hartford (sung by Amy Grant)
Prayer: O God we have been blessed so richly: life, talents, resources, relationships and more. But we have sinned
and used these gifts selfishly and in ways that caused harm to others. Our priorities, attitudes, values, and actions
have wounded. Today we come admitting what we have done. We long for cleansing and forgiveness but we ask
that you don’t let it come too easily. Don’t too easily give us healing so that we can just walk away and go on with
life. Instead open our eyes to the work we need to do to bring healing, to do repairs, to show sorrow and to offer
help. Speak to us now and over the next few weeks giving directions for what needs to be done. Show us how we
may rebuild, restore and honor you as we produce fruit reflective of our repentance. Lord we place ourselves in Your
hands. Mold us over these weeks so that we true can bring some wholeness. This we pray in Jesus name.
Scripture Reading:
*Romans 3: 10b-12a “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands;
there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away.”
*Psalm 51: 1-3 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
Meditation/Instructions for the Season:
Over the next 25 days we are invited to share in a Season which has two parts or periods to it. The first part of
15 days is a time when we are asked to spend time in Self-Examination and Reflection about various parts of our life.
This is not a time of action but a time of seeking God’s direction and guidance about what we need to attend to and
how we might do that attending. We are to search our minds and hearts to identify the brokenness we have caused
or been a part of. That brokenness might be from words we have spoken. It might be from actions that we have done.
It might be from our staying silent or from not taking action when we needed to do so. These 15 days are a time of
searching, digging, and preparing.
The second Part or Period will last 10 days and will kick off with a special worship service to help prepare us. These
10 days are a time of Confession and Action. This is the time when we are invited, as we feel directed by God, to take
tangible steps to change things for the better. This might mean (1) making apologies to those we have wounded; if the
apology will be beneficial to the other, (2) doing acts of restitution in which we try to be a blessing to the other and to
repay for what we broke, and (3) to changing anything in our lives necesary so that we don’t continue to do the same
kind of damage.
On October 8th we will have a service of Healing and Celebration for the work done and days ahead. It will be a time
to grab hold of God’s promise of cleansing and healing as well as to free ourselves of the weight we have been carrying
because of our sinful actions.
(Possible Meditation on our Brokenness and opportunity to be part of Healing.)
Possibly start with a story of brokenness caused. ---- In thinking of how to describe brokenness these are some
of the images that came to my mind: open wounds, sharp edges, pieces shattered and scattered, and destruction.
All of the images have to do with things that make me want to draw back and that set off alarms in me. Brokenness
is painful and hard. Brokenness takes away blessings and mares what God has planned and desires.
Now sometimes brokenness comes because we wanted it. That doesn’t mean that we had that picture in
our mind of things torn apart and scattered all about. But what we did have in mind was for that harsh word to sting.
What we did have in mind is for that spiteful act to really hurt. It wasn’t an accident that destruction happened
because our anger, priorities, or whatever else drove us to do things that would bring it about. Can’t you remember
times when you meant to hurt? Has it been so long since you did or said something that you spoke with a hatefulness
or sharpness? The end result of the intentional actions that we had in mind might not have been those sharp shards
of glass but that is what resulted so often. We cause, intentionally, brokenness.
Sometimes brokenness comes unexpectedly as a result of our words or actions. They can come not because
we intend it but as a result of our words and actions non-the-less. That doesn’t mean that we are not responsible just
because we didn’t ‘mean it to happen’ or because things went in a direction that we didn’t mean or anticipate. Our
actions set in motion events that ended up breaking things. We did cause the brokenness and so we carry the responsibility
for what has happened. What unintentional repercussions have come as a result of what you have done?
Perhaps just as frequently as brokenness coming from things we did, intentionally or unintentionally, is the
brokenness that comes from our failing to speak or act. We freeze, we seal our lips, we sit silently when others are
attacking or abusing another. We watch the pictures of people in need, we hear the cries of those who are hurting,
and we just go on with our day. We are responsible for the situations that we come in contact with. We will be held
accountable for what we do with the people and events that cross our pathway. They are our business; not to control
and dictate about but to care and show God’s presence and love. Where are you turning a deaf ear or blind eye?
What situations have crossed your way and you have just walked on by; ignoring the needs? We are responsible for
the possibilities and when we ignore them we can be responsible for the brokenness of hunger, of hatred, of abuse,
of poverty, and of many other types of brokenness.
Whether the cause was intentional, unintentional, a result of inaction, or whatever, we have responsibility
for brokenness. Whether we acknowledge that responsibility or not, it still remains and impacts lives, including ours.
So our choice is whether we will try just to ‘move on’, which will not work no matter how hard we try or how long
we work at it. Or if we will accept the role we have played, and the responsibility we have in it, and then turn to
changing things from that of destruction and brokenness to nourishing. Over the next few weeks we are encouraged
to move down the pathway of making a positive change. Are you willing? Will you commit to the prayer, reflection
and efforts necessary to bring about healing? Christ came to bring healing to the sick, comfort to those grieving,
wholeness to those who are broken. We are some of those sick, grieving and broken aren’t we? But if we do not
open our lives to Christ’s gifts we will never have them. For the next 25 days we are to open our lives by identifying
our errors, accepting responsibility and working to do repair work. If we do then we will find that Christ is eager to
give guidance and help and that he will also share his blessing with us and others.
Song: on theme of coming to the task of repentance and/or seeking God’s help. e.g. Come Just as you
Are, Holy Spirit Rain Down by Hillsong.
Lighting of Candles: Candles are available to be used as a symbol of each person’s willingness to “face the darkness”
of brokenness and to bring ‘light’ into it. Everyone is invited to come forward and light a candle. There are Ministers,
Elders or/and others available to pray individually with anyone who desires it.
Beginning the Journey: We have come here to start a journey. It is a journey from a place where brokenness
has caused and continues to cause great pain. It is a journey to a future where healing is found. We don’t know
all the steps that we will take on this journey but let us trust our steps to God. Let’s go watching and listening for
the Spirit’s direction for how the darkness can be pushed back and God’s light might shine more brightly. Amen.
A Season for Confession, Forgiveness and Reconciliation
by Rev. Stephen Wallace
Part II: A Time of Confession and Action
Season of Confession and Action Service
Day 16
Theme: Working to Heal, Repair and Restore
Begin with the blowing of a horn or other type of action as a symbol of a call to action.
We come today after a Season of Reflection and Self-Examination. For the past 15 days we have been asked to
search our lives for where we have caused brokenness. We have invited God to give us guidance on where we need
to take action to set things right and put situations on a different path. Now we come to the start of a new phase of this
effort in the Season of Confession and Action. Now we move from thinking, reflecting and examining our lives to a
time of reaching out and taking action. This service is to mark our willingness to follow God’s direction and to begin
the efforts of confessing, repentance and restoration.
Song: On the theme of setting things right, making our life more Godly, or on asking for God’s help to set
things right: Take My Life (Scott Underwood), You never Let Go (Matt Redman), Take Time to
Be Holy, Take My Life and Let It Be
Litany: (L=Leader, C=Community) (From Proverbs 28:12-14)
L: When godly people win, everyone is very happy.
C: But when sinners take charge, everyone hides.
L: Anyone who hides his sins doesn't succeed.
C: But anyone who admits his sins and gives them up finds mercy.
L: Blessed is the one who always has respect for the Lord.
C: But anyone who is stubborn will get into trouble.
O Lord, we have sinned against You both intentionally and unintentionally. We have sinned in thought, word, and action.
Likewise, we have caused brokenness and pain to one another, both intentionally and unintentionally, in thought, word,
action as well as in inaction. We confess this before You and ask You to forgive us and enable us to forgive one another
as You have forgiven us. In the coming days we ask that You move us to actions of healing and of restitution as we seek
to set right what we put wrong. We pray that You will be merciful to us and give us wisdom, strength, and courage for
these efforts. We pray that you will give us the best words to say and
the actions that will bring comfort and healing. Cleanse our motives and work in us during these days as we seek to set
right what wrong has been done. In Jesus’ name we ask it. Amen.
Song or Special Music: On working to heal. I Give You My Heart, Every Day, Be the Centre, Lay Them Down
Scripture Reading:
*Proverbs 14: 8 Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.
*Matthew 5:23-24 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has
something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer
your gift.
Reflection/Testimony: You might have some one tell of the brokenness he/she has caused and the pain it created.
They might go on to talk about how ignoring the situation led to more harm and how facing the situation brought blessings.
This is also a time to talk about how to go about confessing and doing works of restitution. Point to make include: acting
in ways that do not cause more harm, finding the right person and time (for everyone) for confession or actions, acting or
speaking only with a pure motive of sorrow and a desire for helping, putting aside defensiveness in the effort, not requiring
the other to respond or give us “what we want/need”, etc. A possible reflection:
Saying “I’m sorry” can be very difficult. It is difficult for a number of reasons and so it is very easy to refuse to face
wrongs we have done and work to set things right; or at least work to set things on a better footing. One reason “
I’m Sorry” is hard is because of our pride. We want to be seen in a positive light. We want others to think well of us.
We want to be seen as competent and if we admit mistakes won’t that destroy that image? Pride can move us to hide
our errors and to keep them covered up.
Another reason “I’m Sorry” is hard is because of fear. We can be afraid of what others will do in response to our
confession of wrong. Will they reject us? Will they retaliate against us? With they never look at us the same again?
Will it cause job problems, financial problems, relational problems, or other issues? We can see all too clearly the negative
possibilities while at the same time discounting the potential positive results of our efforts for good. We can fear the
repercussions of confession and so avoid it.
Another reason “I’m Sorry” is difficult is the uncertainty. How are we to say those words or do those actions?
What will make it ‘work’? What will show the sorrow I feel? We can be at a loss on the what, where, when and how
of this effort. Most of all, the answers to those questions need to have these priorities: that we do only what will likely
bring a blessing to the person who was already hurt, that we pay attention to the right timing/method/place best for the
other person, that we choose our words extremely carefully and ask for help from God in selecting them and in selecting
any actions taken, and that our hearts must be moved by a true sorrow for what we have done and a willingness to take
responsibility for it.
Another reason “I’m Sorry” is difficult to do is because it is difficult to break free of being driven by self-interest.
We want the best for ourselves. We can find ourselves responding with defensive words or actions if others don’t respond
to our overtures as we desire. We can resist having to pay too high a cost for our confession. We would love to have everyone
admire our efforts and the great character shown in making this effort, but when they respond with anger, or fear, or suspicion our
self-interest mode kicks in.
“I’m Sorry” is not easy, that is why it is so frequently avoided and ignored. But when we avoid or ignore confession the
wrong we do it leaves wounds untouched, it ignores the brokenness and pain already caused, and it can even add more pain and
brokenness. We need to take great care in how we confession and seek to make amends. We need to search for God’s presence
and direction in our efforts. We need to prepare by thinking through what to say and how to respond; even running through scenarios
in our mind. But we need to commit ourselves as well to doing what is needed.
“I’m Sorry” is not easy, but it is so needed. “I’m Sorry” comes with many unknowns and risks, but it is the pathway to healing.
“I’m Sorry” is the road to a better future and to rebuilding what we have broken. So are you ready to move forward
on this journey? Are you willing to hope for something better? Are you willing to do what is needed to bring healing?
Let’s get ready to do what we need to do?
Prayer: God of healing and wholeness, show us the steps to take in order to sooth the wounds we have caused. Place on our
tongues the words that will lift up the spirit of others and bring them relief from hurt. We know that actions are needed, but they
can be hard to do. So fill us with courage, bring us motivation, and make our actions a blessing. You know the names and situations
needing attention from each of us here. Move in us and in these relationships so that wholeness and blessings are brought to them.
For this we pray in Jesus name. Amen.
Presenting of names/situations: Have a way in which people can share the names (doesn’t have to be literally the whole name but
you do need a way for people to tangibly set out those they will be seeking forgiveness from). You might want to encourage people
to come to the service with names in mind or even listed on a sheet (such as the devotional sheets for the 15 days of reflection.
Possible ways to present these names include:
*have them write names on flash paper and come forward and light them as a prayer for God’s help.
*have a ‘pond’ in which pebbles for each person can be thrown (inside a building you could use a pond
insert to create the effect)
*have stone on which people can write a symbol or name on and then build a wall with the stones or
put them around a ‘pond’ (see pond idea above)
This presentation can be at the end of the service where people are given as long as they like to prepare the materials and spend time
in prayer leaving as they are finished. Or it could be done while a special song is presented (e.g. Healing Rain by M.W. Smith)
If the service doesn’t end with the above sing a Song: on theme of acting to make things better: Trading My Sorrows, one of those
mentioned earlier, etc.
Sending Out: We have been searching our hearts and minds for what wrongs we need to deal with now. We have been listening to
God for direction and inspiration. Now may we go willing to act as the Lord leads us. May God make the changes in us necessary for
what needs to happen and what can be. May we give a blessing to others and find a new and better life for ourselves.
A Season for Confession, Forgiveness and Reconciliation
by Rev. Stephen Wallace
Service of Celebration and Thankfulness
Day 25
Theme: Celebrating God’s Cleansing and Rich Kindness…as well as committing to Continuing Efforts.
Blowing of horn (or something else) to symbolize a call to celebration.
Over the past several weeks we have been in the hard and difficult place of self-examination. To take seriously the effort to reflect on
who we are, the brokenness we have caused, and the wounds we need to treat is demanding. Then we moved beyond just thinking
about the brokenness caused by us to the place of taking tangible action. Today we come to celebrate the efforts made to bring light
to where darkness has reigned. Today we come to rejoice over the way that God has guided us, help us, and worked through us.
We have much to rejoice over! So let us celebrate!
Song: On the theme of Celebration or Thankfulness such as: Your Grace is Enough, My Redeemer Lives, Come Now is the Time.
Scripture Reading:
*Isaiah 61:1-3 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those
who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of
praise instead of a spirit of despair.
*James 5: 13-16 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among
you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer
offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore
confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Prayer: Giver of life we are here in celebration. You have been so gracious, so generous, so merciful and kind to us. You have
helped us face hardship, difficulty and sorrow. You have shown us the path to take in life and traveled with us along that way.
Today we come in gratitude for what You have done. Today we come with joy over the light that has been brought into our lives
and the lives of others. Over the past few weeks we have sought guidance on how to deal with the brokenness our thoughts, words
and actions have caused. You have offered us ways to confession our wrongdoing, to say and do things to bring healing to the wounded,
and hope for a new and better future. Thank you for all these blessings and for the hope You give us for the future.
In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Song: On the theme of thanking God: Lord I Lift Your Name on High, Blessed Be the Name of the Lord
Reflection/Meditation: 3-5 minutes(each) sharing from one or two persons on the positive experiences of how God has helped bring
blessings through the confession and restitution made could be included. These talks could be from the one who asked for forgiveness,
or the one who gave it, or both. Have the talks written out and reviewed so that it will best fit with the service and in order to help
the individual sharing to be clear and comfortable with what he/she wants to say.
Over the past 25 days we have been on a journey to change things. By the words said, actions done, and attitudes held we created
pain and separation between ourselves and others. Some of those wounds may have been obvious and led to a total break of the
relationship. Others of those wounds might have been less visible but still caused very real strains and damage to our relationship.
People have been hurt by what we have done, and we need to do what is possible to change that reality. We have been hurt by
what has happened and we need to see if we can find relief from the guilt, sorrow and pain. Hopefully some of that relief and healing
has taken place in the lives of others as well as in your life over the past few weeks. Hopefully your today and tomorrow looks much
better because of what you have done to confess and repair the damage. Hopefully you have seen God moving in your situation so
that things are better than they have in some time.
God wants to bring wholeness to us. Jesus came in order to share good news with us about how we could be set free from
what imprisons us, so that we could find cures for our sickness, and so that we could finally have the darkness replaced by light. God
doesn’t want us to live in sorrow or pain. God doesn’t want us to live with guilt or shame. God wants us to find life in all its fullness.
God loves us and is at work to repair, restore and bring wholeness. God is at work to bless, to help and to heal. What a blessing we
have in God and what reasons we have to celebrate because of what God does!
As I said, we have been working for 25 days to change situations. But we must not think that we are done. Part of the change
that needs to take place is that we change how we act in the future. We change so that we don’t say those things which caused
the destruction in the past over and over again in the future. We change so that we do not do those kinds of actions that wound
and pain others over and over. We are to be new. We are to take a different pathway and because we are taking that different
pathway a new future, a better future is possible. A future that is full of richness and blessings and love. Now to move into that
future isn’t going to just happen, but takes our continued listening to God and willingness to act in ways that are healthy and good.
It means continuing to acknowledge wrongs we do and to confess and repair them. It means working on those priorities, attitudes
and habits in our life that led us to do destructive things. Are you willing to do that? Are you willing to be different so that you
don’t find yourself heavily burdened again? What good does it do to have worked so hard to find our way out of darkness only
to jump right back into it? Let’s choose to live in the light!
The good news is that this new pathway and the changes needed are not something we have to do on our own. Instead God
offers to help us along the way. God offers us strength and direction. God offers encouragement and companionship. God offers special
gifts that will enable us to succeed. In a few moments we will be celebrating Communion and recognizing the love shown in Christ’s life
and sacrifice. It is a way God reminds us that we are not alone. We will also offer anyone who would like to receive an anointing with oil,
as a sign of God’s touch, and to be prayed over by others that opportunity. We will have people available to pray over you and with you.
So as we come to the end of these 25 days let’s rejoice! Our Lord is good! Our Lord is kind! Our Lord offers us a bright future and
eternal life!
Song: I Could Sing of Your Love Forever, I Give You My Heart
Communion: Have you felt the weigh or brokenness and loss from actions done? Many of us have been carrying that load for so
very long. Today God invites us to set down that burden. Jesus came so that we could find relief. Many times we ignore that gift and
continue to carry the load of guilt, pain and sorrow instead of receiving his love, forgiveness and wholeness. As we come to receive
Communion let us let go of those burdens so that we can take hold of his gifts.
Prayer: Lord of life we come to receive that life now. We need Your healing and help. We need Your cleansing and renewal. As we
share in this meal share Your blessings and shower Your grace on us. In Jesus’ name we ask it. Amen.
Invite people to come forward and have people close by to anoint with oil and pray for those who desire to have this gift.
Song or Special: Thank You Lord, You Never Let Me Go, New Song
Moving Forward: We have committed to changing things. We have worked to make our future different from our past. We have
decided to walk in the light instead of cursing the darkness. My God bless you for that choice and may God lift you up so that each
of your tomorrows is one where you choose life and choose to bless others it as well.
