By Marcia Mylin
Precious Savior, why do I fear your scrutiny? Yours is an examen of love. Still, I am afraid …. Afraid of what may surface. Even so, I invite you to search me to the depths so that I may know myself – and you – in fuller measure. Amen. (Prayer, p. 35).
The prayer of confession is a humble recognition that we are all sinners in need of God’s grace and forgiveness. It’s a reminder of our dependence on God and his mercy. Confession is part of the prayer Jesus taught his disciples to pray in Matthew 6, and James 5:16 reminds us to confess our sins to one another so that we may be healed. Confession has the potential to lead to transformation. It is an act of accountability and a reminder that we are not alone on this journey of discipleship.
In order to enter into the practice of confession, it is best to set aside at least thirty minutes of quiet time so you can be attentive to the Holy Spirit. You may want to use Psalm 139:23–24 as a prayer as you invite the Holy Spirit to examine your heart.
In his book, Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home, Foster says that this is a joint search and “since God is with us in the search, we are listening more than we are defending. Our petty rationalizations and evasions of responsibility simply will not tolerate the light of his presence. (Prayer, p. 29).
As you wait, note what the Holy Spirit highlights or brings to mind, choosing to repent, turn from the sin, and turn toward God to receive his forgiveness based on his word in 1 John 1:9. With thanksgiving, receive God’s forgiveness and his help to make the needed change. Rest in his loving peace and presence as you conclude this time with the Lord.
Resources
Eyes Aren’t Enough – Confession (eyesarentenough.com/2018/08/30/prayer-of-confession/)
Prayer: Find the Heart’s True Home by Richard J Foster
Soul Feast by Marjorie Thompson
Bio
Marcia Mylin is a member of the Executive Bishop Team. As LMC staff, she serves as the STEP Director and oversees event planning and HR. She has a passion to see all followers of Jesus rooted and established in the love of Christ so they may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God, living out their calling and gifting. (Eph. 3–4). Marcia and her husband Dale have five adult children and are members of Byerland Mennonite Church. Marcia has a degree in Christian Education from Messiah College, a Master’s in Religion, and a ThD in Missional Theology from Evangelical Theological Seminary.