The Examination Of Conscience

The examination of conscience before the Table is used when there has been no confession of sin in either the acts of Entrance or after the prayers of the people.

The examination of conscience may occur as follows: The minister may say: Hear the words of the apostle Paul "Examine yourselves, and only then eat of the bread and drink of the cup" (1 Cor. 11:28, nrsv). Here follows silence, an extemporaneous prayer, or one of the following prayers said by minister and people together. Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, I confess to you all hidden and open sins of my heart and mind, which I have committed until this day. Wherefore I beg of you, The merciful and righteous judge, Forgiveness and grace to sin no more. Amen. (Eastern Orthodox) or O Lord our God, Our Creator and our Judge; Proved every day, yet strong and patient; Forgive we beseech you, Our rebellion against your will. or Our forgetfulness of your law, Our complacency, apathy, Our culpable ignorance, Our tolerance of intolerable wrongs. Have mercy upon us, O Lord, And turn our hearts, Through Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord and Savior. Amen. (Unknown) When writing or preparing an examination of conscience, observe the following structural guidelines: Definition Example An ascription to God Father A description of an attribute of God Lord of heaven and earth The confession I confess to you, etc. God's property of mercy The merciful and righteous Judge The application of God's property Forgiveness and grace to sin no more