One: When the psalmists did not know what to say, they built pauses into their prayers with the word “Selah.” (Say-lah.) As we enter a time of prayer, we will mark our silences with the same word. Selah.
Many: Selah.
(a time of silence)
One: Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Many: It is a good feeling to be forgiven, to know God cares for us enough to take care of everything.
One: Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
Many: When we have done things well, God can see it. When we have been honest, God will know.
One: While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long.
Many: O God, you knew all the things on my mind, but they still weighed heavily on me.
One: For day and night your hand was heavy upon me. My strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
Many: I can’t hide things from you. I don’t know what else to say.
One: And so we say it together.
All: Selah
(A time of silence.)
One: Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity.
Many: I opened my heart to you, Lord.
One: I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
Many: I did confess. I do confess.
One: And you forgave the guilt of my sin.
All: Selah
(A time of silence.)
One: Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Many: It feels good to be forgiven.
One: God hears our prayers and forgives us. This is the Good News that brings new life.
All: We thank God for it.
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