Each Wednesday during Lent I'll introduce you to a simple, yet powerful, spiritual practice to help you meditate on the person and work of Jesus.
Here's a brief introduction to the third practice ... confession.
The Practice
As you prepare to examine your life, meditate on …
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we haven’t sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
My little children, I write these things to you so that you may not sin. If anyone sins, we have a Counsellor with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous. And he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world. (1 John 1:8--2:2)
- We agree with God about our sin.
- And we agree with Him about our Savior.
Then examine the thoughts, words, and deeds of your life according to the Ten Commandments.
You shall have no other gods before me.
You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Honor your father and your mother.
You shall not murder.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant,
his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
And then say the following. Use them as daggers against the accusations of the devil, the temptations of the world, and the desires of the sinful flesh.
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner”∗
“Jesus, you are my Lord.”
“Save me, for I am yours!”
∗ And/or you can use the general confession as contained in the following hymn books: The Lutheran Hymnal, Lutheran Worship, or Lutheran Service Book.
After confessing your sins, comfort yourselves with the forgiveness of sins that comes through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Do the following …
- remember and make use of your Baptism
- attend the Lord’s Supper in the Divine Service
- meet with your pastor for a time of private confession and absolution
Remember that the rhythm of the Christian life is …
repent
receive
rejoice
respond
(repeat)
Finally, meditate on the following portions from Psalm 119.
Ps. 119:1: Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the Lord’s law.
Ps. 119:133: Establish my footsteps in your word.
Don’t let any iniquity have dominion over me.
Ps. 119:176: I have gone astray like a lost sheep.
Seek your servant, for I don’t forget your commandments.
- fight against the "unholy trinity"
- defend yourself with all of the promises of Jesus
- and receive all of the gifts that only the Triune God can give
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