CONFESSION:
The original sin was pride. Lucifer exalted himself against God and brought sin into the universe (Ezekiel 28:11-19). The sin of pride was introduced into the human family when Adam and Eve yielded to Satan's temptation. Man still exalts himself and declares his independence from God. This temptation often seduces the Church.

Pride has deceived us so that we have tried to accomplish God's work in our own strength instead of in the power of the Holy Spirit. We have sought our glory instead of giving all glory to Him. Pride has caused us to contend with one another rather than edify the church. It has caused the heavens to be as iron and the earth as brass, rendering our labors unfruitful.

Pride has resulted in a sectarian spirit that has kept us from participating in what God is doing in the world. We have rejected other denominational fellowships, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on non-Pentecostals, and other aspects of God's work in the world today. We have seen ourselves as defenders of the faith and orthodoxy, but our self-righteousness has given birth to a critical spirit. While we have longed for signs, wonders and miracles, pride has stifled our faith and quenched the operation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

REPENTANCE:
Father, we humble ourselves before You and confess the sin of pride that has separated us from intimacy and fellowship with You, from knowing and seeing the greatness of Your power, and from experiencing Your blessings. We confess the superior attitude caused by pride, and we acknowledge the division it has brought to Your Church. Forgive us of the sectarian spirit that has isolated us from the work of Your Kingdom. Restore us to communion with You and all members of the body of Christ.

Have mercy on us, O God, and forgive us of pride. Blot out this transgression and cleanse us of this sin. Give us an humble spirit that we may embrace all that You have for us as Your people. Fill us with the grace You promised us for our lives, our churches, our conferences, our leaders, and the worldwide fellowship of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church.

RESPONSE: Hear our confession, O Lord, and forgive us of the sin of pride. May You alone be glorified.

AFFIRMATION: Father, we come before You as representatives of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church. We have humbled ourselves before You and confessed and repented of the sin of pride. We now turn away from the pride that leads to exclusivism, self-righteousness and attitudes of superiority. We affirm the equal worth and significance of all Your children. We resist the temptation to exalt ourselves and receive glory that belongs to You. We affirm that You alone are worthy of all praise.

RESPONSE: May You be glorified!

AFFIRMATION: Receive glory for the outpouring of Your Holy Spirit upon Christians of all denominations around the world.

RESPONSE: May You be glorified!

AFFIRMATION: Receive glory for the harvest of souls You have promised to give us when we humble ourselves before You in repentance.

RESPONSE: Now, according to Your Word, we receive forgiveness and cleansing of this sin. May You alone be glorified!

REFERENCE SCRIPTURES: Ezekiel 28:11-19; Psalm 147:6; Proverbs 8:13; Proverbs 11:2; Proverbs 16:18; Jeremiah 13:17; James 4:10; I Peter 5:5b

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