Confess Your Sins

What are Confession & Repentance?

The next aspect of prayer we will lean into of how Jesus teaches us to pray is confession and repentance. In truth, many hear these terms and shutter a bit, as they could illicit uncomfortable feelings. However, as we learn the true meaning of these actions, it will become easy to see how beautiful they can be.

Confession is the action of admission. This can be centered around one’s beliefs, attitudes, sins, and identity. The act of confession is a powerful event as it gives an outward expression of where one’s heart lies. For example, you could confess that you have done someone wrong, leading to an apology. You could also confess your belief in Christ as your savior, leading to the reality of salvation and a life spent in worship of Jesus. You could also confess how you’ve fallen short in matters concerning your humanity and, therefore, lead into repentance—the next aspect of prayer.

Repentance is slightly different from confession as it involves a genuine shift in mindset and lifestyle. It is the shift in living one’s life with God as one's source and nothing else. In this way, your mindset, morals, ethics, and overall lifestyle are defined by God himself. In other words, repentance is stepping into what it means to be human.

Confession and repentance are essential components of prayer as they provide a means for us to admit to the things in our hearts and make the shift to trust God all the more in our everyday lives. In this way, there is no repentance without worship! We will be studying scriptures to support and teach these truths throughout the prayer and fasting season.

Daily Thought:

Opening yourself up to the Holy Spirit is an incredible way to embrace the forgiving power of God and the incredible work of Christ in your life. By confessing the ways we have fallen short, we are admitting any shortcomings with humility and a desire for genuine positive life change. In 1 John 1, John reminds us of this beautiful truth and points us, once again, to the faithfulness of God.

Scripture Excerpt:

1 John 1:9, ESV

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Prayer Point:

Ask God in prayer to reveal those aspects of your life where sinful behavior or thought patterns may exist. Confess them before the Lord and experience the forgiveness of Christ’s loving power as you approach him in prayer.