Gregory the Illuminator, Bishop of and Missionary to Armenia ca 332 (whose feast is actually tomorrow)

            Confession*

forgive

what we

have been, 

help us 

amend what 

we are, 

& direct 

what we 

shall be

*Confession  proposed in 1968 by the Joint Liturgical Commission, a British ecumenical group. Everything is the same as the BCP 

of 1970 (page 79) except for this part 
which in our book says is 
”We are truly sorry 
and we humbly 
repent.”                          I find this one much more helpful. 
                                  Our is a little too ... formulaic.... 
It reminds me that while forgiveness is God's and the 
future is God's, in the present God needs me to 
participate in amending my life today and making whatever amends and 
changes need to be made... 
He can't do that for me 
or without me. 

    "shine, we pray,  

    in our hearts 

    that we also 

    in our generation 

    may shine forth 

    your praise...” 

      Collect for St Gregory