Confession and Absolution (Lutheran Divine Service)

Almighty God, our maker and redeemer, we poor sinners confess unto you that we are by nature sinful and unclean, and that we have sinned against you by thought, word, and deed. Wherefore we flee for refuge to your infinite mercy, seeking and imploring your grace for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. O most merciful God, who has given your only-begotten Son to die for us, have mercy upon us, and for his sake grant us remission of all our sins; and by your Holy Spirit increase in us true knowledge of you and of your will, and true obedience to your Word, that by your grace we may come to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.