A Prayer of Confession for When You Mess Up
By Jack Graham
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” -
A young man was coming home late one night, well after his midnight curfew. He didn’t pull into his driveway until almost 2 in the morning. So he took his shoes off, opened the door quietly, and slipped up the stairs as softly as he could.
He had almost made it to the top of the stairs when, all of a sudden, his parents’ cuckoo clock struck 2, “Cuckoo, cuckoo.” He heard his parents stirring in their room, and had the boldest idea he’d ever had. He stood there on the stairs and cuckoo-ed 10 more times!
Now that’s creative, but it’s not telling the truth. In fact, one very neglected aspect of telling the truth is admitting when you’ve made a mistake, rather than covering it up. Confessing when you’re in the wrong is difficult, especially when a little lie like “my dog ate my homework” or “I put those reports on your desk” can pass the blame to someone else.
But when you mess up and confess it, you not only have the reward of a clear conscience, you build rapport as an honest person among those around you. And, most importantly, you glorify God through your obedience. So admit your mistakes and show others they can trust you to be truthful!
Gracious Lord, give us the courage to seek forgiveness. Remind us that confession is never a mistake; it frees us from the chains of the enemy. We know we cannot hide our hearts from you. Help us to let go of our bitterness and fear, and purify us with the knowledge that you have taken away every sin. In your name, Amen.
*Editor’s Note: The following is an abridged version of How You Can Inspire Confidence from Others by Pastor Jack Graham. To read the full article simply follow this link.
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Originally published Tuesday, 25 June 2019.
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