Prayer: Confession
This week we are considering some of the types of prayer that we use both personally and corporately.
No matter how well we try to live our lives, we sin. However unintentional that sin may be, because our God is perfect He cannot tolerate its presence. The Bible tells us that:
"…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…." Romans 3:23 [NIV]
We are not perfect, and in our fallen humanity we cannot be. In the first letter of John we read that:
"…If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness…"
1 John 1:8-9 [NIV]
Micah 3:8 tells us that the revelation of sin and the knowledge of error is enabled by the spirit of God (the spirit of truth) working in and through the lives of mankind. The father, Son and Spirit working as one to bring about the salvation of humanity.
As a fully human being, Jesus experienced the joy, frustration, pain, sorrow and anger that we do - yet was without sin. In his righteous anger he challenged the unjust situations he encountered, he challenged the sinful lives of individuals and healed the painful reality of sickness. Yet He remained without sin and because of this He can intercede before the Father for us.
God longs that we come to Him, seeking His forgiveness. We do this through the confession of our sin. Confession is beginning a renewed relationship with God and He doesn't require that it is formal or only done in the presence of another or to a priest – although these do sometimes have their place and are appropriate or necessary. When we come to God, we come to the creator of the universe, yes, the judge of all, yes, but we also come to Father who loves us completely and gave himself for us. One step toward him and His arms open in loving embrace.
Confession is not about condemnation it's about freedom, peace and having a right relationship with God, Father, Son and Spirit and with those we encounter each day.
Spend some time today in quiet, laying before our Father who loves us completely those things the Spirit prompts us to lay before him.
Loving God, Father, Son and Spirit, would you bring to me revelation of my sin and the knowledge of my error that I may serve you in newness of life. I lay before you ……
Sally Williams | |
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