Almighty and most merciful Father, we are thankful that Your mercy is higher than the heavens, wider than our wanderings, deeper than all our sin. Forgive our careless attitudes toward Your purposes, our refusal to relieve the suffering of others, our envy of those who have more than we have, our obsession with creating a life of constant pleasure, our indifference to the treasures of heaven, our neglect of Your wise and gracious law. Help us to change our way of life so that we may desire what is good, love what You love, and do what You command, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

The words of the gospel for those who repent and believe:

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person – though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die – but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-8).