This confession prayer is based on the Old Testament reading for the second week of Advent in year C, but could be used at any time. It intentionally has quite a formal tone, and also features the opportunity for silence whilst worshippers wash their hands in bowls of water. This comes from the line in Malachi 3 about Jesus coming as a 'launderers soap'.

Excerpt from the script:

Leader - The prophet Malachi in the Old Testament spoke these words to the people of Israel: 'I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,' says the Lord Almighty.'

All - Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Leader - 'But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap.'

All - Amen. Lord, have mercy.

Leader - 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver.'

All - Amen. Christ, have mercy...

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