Sept 16 - Confession

Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face (Ezekiel 1:28) 

Praise leads to confession. Just as Isaiah and Ezekiel were overwhelmed by their unholiness when they encountered God, our automatic response to beholding God’s holiness and the greatness of his glory should be to mourn our sinfulness and fall on our faces.  

However, confession must also be followed by our assurance of forgiveness and salvation through Jesus. The heart that cries out to God for mercy needs the assurance of his grace, otherwise, the gospel is not “good news.” 

Today we are praying two prayers that the church has prayed throughout history. Use them to reflect on, confess, and repent of your sins before God, while also rejoicing in the assurance of his gracious pardon through Jesus Christ. 

Prayer of Confession  
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed,   
     by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.   
We have not loved you with our whole heart and mind and strength.  
We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.   
In your mercy forgive what we have been,   
     help us amend what we are,   
     and direct what we shall be,  
so that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways,   
to the glory of your name.   
Through Christ, our Lord.  
Amen 

Assurance of Pardon  
While it is true that we have sinned,  
it is a greater truth that we are forgiven  
through God’s love in Jesus Christ.  
To all who humbly seek the mercy of God,  
let us have confidence that in Jesus Christ,
our sins are forgiven. 
Amen