A good number of you asked for a copy of the confession of sin from this past Sunday, so it seemed fitting to use it as the substance of the post this week. It is a wonderful model and reminder that, though a general confession of sin (cf. Psalm 51) is appropriate, there are also seasons and times when we need to name and confess our sins with a greater degree of specificity.

Almighty, eternal, most just and gracious God, 

help us to find in the midst of all things shifting, You are our anchor; 

in the midst of uncertainty and ignorance You are wisdom. 

You are Holy, yet our lives and hearts abound with 

apologies not made, 

repentance not completed,

forgiveness not offered, 

brothers not respected, 

reputations not defended, 

peace not pursued, 

neighbors not loved, 

Sabbaths not kept, 

appetites not restrained, 

parents not honored, 

spouse not cherished, 

children not trained, 

prisoners not visited, 

strangers not clothed, 

hungry not fed, 

providences ignored, 

envy unchecked, 

prayers unspoken, 

fears not conquered, 

truth not defended, 

sheep not fed, 

feet unmoved, 

tongue unbridled, 

eyes unguarded, 

time wasted, talents wasted, treasure wasted.

Lord Jesus, deliver us from these chains, 

from the wretchedness of remaining sin, 

from the sugar of sin as well as its gall, 

so that with earnest heart, searching we may come to You, 

cast ourselves on You, 

trust in You, cry to You, 

be delivered by You. 

Grant us to hear Your voice assuring us that we are guilty, but pardoned; 

lost, but saved; 

wandering, but found; 

sinning, but cleansed.  

Give us perpetual broken heartedness; 

keep us always clinging to Your cross; 

flood us every moment with descending, abounding grace, we pray….