For use at the beginning of the Liturgy, or as a separate service.
A hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung.
The people standing, the Celebrant says
| Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. | |
| People | And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen. |
In place of the above, from Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost
| Celebrant | Alleluia. Christ is risen. |
| People | The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia. |
In Lent and on other penitential occasions
| Celebrant | Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins. |
| People | His mercy endures for ever. |
When used as a separate service, the Exhortation, page 316, may be
read, or a homily preached.
The Decalogue may be said, the people kneeling.
The Celebrant may read one of the following sentences
Jesus said, "The first commandment is this: Hear, O Israel:
The Lord your God is the only Lord. Love the Lord your
God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your
mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: Love
your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment
greater than these." Mark 12:29-31
Penitential Order II 351
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the
truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God, who is
faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all
unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8,9
Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the
heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us with confidence draw
near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and
find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14,16
The Deacon or Celebrant then says
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence may be kept.
Minister and People
Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done,
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved you with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us;
that we may delight in your will,
and walk in your ways,
to the glory of your Name. Amen.
352 Penitential Order II
The Bishop when present, or the Priest, stands and says
Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins
through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all
goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you
in eternal life. Amen.
A deacon or lay person using the preceding form substitutes "us" for
"you" and "our" for "your."
When this Order is used at the beginning of the Liturgy, the service
continues with the Gloria in excelsis, the Kyrie eleison, or the Trisagion.
When used separately, it concludes with suitable prayers, and the Grace
or a blessing.
Penitential Order II 353