This contemplative prayer station uses journaling and a paper shredder to help in the process of confession. A variation of this station is to have fireplace or a camp fire lit (outside I would hope!) to throw the confessions into rather than shredding them. If you can’t find either, you can use a trash can, but it’s not quite as meaningful.
Directions for Leadership:
On a table place sheets of paper for people to write down their confessions, enough for one per person, with the prayer of confession printed on the top. You can use the one here or find one that is from your particular denomination’s tradition. Set out pens and pencils and the directions (below). To the side of the table set up 1-2 paper shredders.
Prayer of Confession:
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.
Prayer Station Instructions:
Confessing what is wrong in our life is a crucial part of coming to God in prayer. When we do not confess our wrongs, we limit our openness to God’s work of transforming us into people of love, hope, grace and peace. When we confess it is freeing and allows us to connect with our maker and experience His Grace.
Take a sheet of paper and a pen. At the top of the paper is a prayer of confession, a liturgical prayer that has been prayed out loud by groups of Christians for centuries. Pray the prayer silently and think about the wrongs in your life. Confess them to God by journaling or listing them.
When you are done take your list over to the paper shredders. Tell God everything you are thinking and feeling. Ask God to forgive you, and as you do so, put the paper through the shredder and think about how God has shown you grace and forgiven you.
