Today’s culture promotes the denial of acknowledging any sin in our lives and how our sins and negative patterns wound others. The Bible tells us that Jesus wants more for the people who have pointed their lives in his direction. For followers of Jesus, it is important to create a habit of humbly coming to God, acknowledging the gaps and sins in our lives, and inviting his forgiveness and leadership in a new direction.

Look at Psalms like Psalm 32 and Psalm 51 for helpful guides from scripture. Ruth Haley Barton also provides a helpful prayer to invite others to partner with you in changing your mind and pointing your life toward Jesus.

Find a trusted friend and set aside at least a half-hour to pray through the prayer below and incorporate time for silence after each confession. In the silence, ask God to reveal any ways in which each confession might be true of you, but do not feel that you have to "get something" for each one.

Allow this exercise to be characterized by gentle openness rather than pushing or forcing a response. When God reveals something to you, quietly ask if there is anything you need to confess or make right with any person (s) whom you have injured or offended. When you have had enough time with a confession, pray the refrain (the phrases printed in bold) and move to the next confession.

Most holy and merciful Father:
I confess to you that I have sinned by my own fault
in thought, word and deed;
by what I have done, and by what I have left undone.

I have not loved you with my whole heart, mind and strength. I have not loved my
neighbors as myself. I have not forgiven others, as I have been forgiven. (Silence)
Have mercy on me, Lord.

I have been deaf to your call to serve, as Christ served us. I have not been true to the mind of Christ. I have grieved your Holy Spirit. (Silence)
Have mercy on me, Lord.

I confess to you, Lord, all my past unfaithfulness:

…The pride, hypocrisy, and impatience of my life. (Silence)
I confess to you, Lord.

…My self-indulgent appetites and ways, and my exploitation of others, (Silence)
I confess to you, Lord.

…My anger at my own frustration, and my envy of those more fortunate than I, (Silence)
I confess to you, Lord.

…My love of worldly goods and comforts, my dishonesty in daily life and work, (Silence)
I confess to you, Lord.

Accept my repentance, Lord, for the wrongs I have done: for my blindness to human need and suffering, and my indifference to injustice and cruelty, (Silence)
Accept my repentance, Lord.

For all false judgments, uncharitable thoughts toward my neighbors, and for my
prejudice and contempt toward those who differ from me, (Silence)
Accept my repentance, Lord.

Restore me, good Lord, and let your anger depart from me.
Favorably hear me for your mercy is great.

Accomplish in me and in all your church the work of your salvation,
That we may show forth your glory in the world.

By the cross and passion of your Son, our Lord,
Bring us with all your saints to the joy of his resurrection. Amen

Prayer of Repentance