A Collect for Courage to Confess our Sins

Compassionate Father, who knows our hearts already, it is hard to admit our sins and failings, for we fear anger and disapproval, the loss of what little love we believe we have. Reassure us of your mercy and compassion, that we would be able to unburden ourselves of our shame and be healed in the light of your presence, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ‘ And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.’ – Mark 1:5