1. A prayer of confession

2. John the Baptist spoke about ways in which The one who was to come should have His way prepared. We will think about these ways as we say sorry to God For the things that we have done, said and thought Which have not pleased Him. Let us pray. A prayer of confession

3. Lord, this time of year is one of preparation, When we seek to make ready For the coming of Jesus. Yet if we imagine ourselves listening to John the Baptist, We shrink back, because there are things in our lives That show clearly that we are not ready for Jesus. A prayer of confession

4. Isaiah prophesied ‘Fill in the valleys.’ Lord, forgive us when we prefer the easy way To doing what is right. He said ‘level the mountains.’ Lord, forgive us when we do or say things Which make it hard for others to believe in Jesus. A prayer of confession

5. He said ‘Make the crooked straight.’ Lord, forgive us when we play games with the truth. He said ‘Make the rough places smooth.’ Lord, forgive us when we speak or act Without considering the feelings of others. A prayer of confession

7. We thank You, Lord, that when Jesus came, He preached forgiveness for those who were truly sorry. Thank You for His gracious words, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ Help us to make a new start today, Showing by the ways in which we speak, think and act, That we are really making ready for Jesus. Amen A prayer of confession