A Morning Prayer: Confession

In the Book of Common Prayer (1962 edition), the first prayer recorded is a liturgical confession:

Dearly beloved [children], the Scripture moveth us in sundry places to acknowledge and confess our manifold sins and wickedness; and that we should not dissemble nor cloak them before the face of Almighty God our heavenly Father; but confess them with an humble, lowly, penitent, and obedient heart; to the end that we may obtain forgiveness of the same, by his infinite goodness and mercy.

And although we ought at all times humbly to acknowledge our sins before God; yet ought we most chiefly so to do, when we assemble and meet together to render thanks for the great benefits  that we have received at his hands, to set forth his most worthy praise, to hear his most holy Word, and to ask those things which are requested and necessary, as well for the body as the soul.

Wherefore I pray and beseech you, as much as are here present, to accompany me with a pure heart and humble voice unto the throne of the heavenly grace.

Almighty and most merciful Father, We have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep, We have  followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts, We have offended against thy holy laws, We have left undone those things which we ought to have done, And we have done those things which we ought not to have done; And there is no health in us. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders.  Spare thou them, O God, which confess their faults.  Restore thou them that are penitent; According to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord.  And grant, O merciful Father, for his sake, That we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, To the glory of thy holy Name. Amen.

When is the last time you confessed like this?  When is the last time you confessed your sin to a confidante?  Remember James 5:16?  It’s still good for the soul, but requires a wise and gracious listener to join you in carrying your sin to the throne of grace.

Grace and Peace to you as you penitently confess to the Holy One.