Praise, confession and assurance of grace

Creating life-giving Godde

We catch a glimpse of you

in the gradual warming of the day

Enticing creatures out of hibernation

to live and move in the freedom of the garden

Abundant-life-giving Godde-with-us

You accept and hold nothing against us

We feel the touch of your hand

reaching out with an invitation

to bask in the light of your love

Challenging life-giving Spirit

You warm us gently

Bringing us out

from cold or dark or lonely places

We are in awe

of your goodness and love toward us

You know these steps

can be the slowest and the most difficult we ever take

as we fear what your light may show

We know we need to loosen our grip

on all that distorts our relationships

and degrades our planet

We know the need to replace hurtful or careless words

with words that promote peace and understanding

between people and between nations

We seek your grace loving Godde

that your words may be a joy to us

and delight our hearts

We seek your mercy loving saviour

that we may be authentic followers of your way

facing up to the reality of pain and injustice

We seek your strength Holy Spirit

that we may turn away from what is evil

and hold fast to what is good

Amen

Brothers and sisters

We are called by God’s name

We enter the community of faith

through water and the Spirit

Let us open our ears to hear

Christ’s words of grace

in the depths of our being

“You are forgiven”

Thanks be to God