Petition for Pardon in the Congregational Prayer

A reader asks: "Is it the calling of our ministers or elders to ask for "forgiveness of sins" in the congregational prayer or in any prayer? Should sin not be specifically mentioned and God's merciful forgiveness implored?" As our reader undoubtedly knows, there are no rules or regulations in this regard in our Church Order or anywhere else. This is because the New Testament Scriptures recognize the fact that we are led by the Spirit, so that we need no one to teach us how we should walk...