Fr. Howie is writing a series of “Praying Shapes Believing” articles that appear in our weekly Sunday worship bulletins. Whether it is your first time, or your thousandth, reading, reciting, and praying the traditional Rite II worship from the Book of Common Prayer, it is worthwhile to ask why. We will examine some of our prayers and collects to help us find more meaning and connection in the ritual. See all topics in the Praying Shapes Believing series.
The Confession
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you…
What is it?
The confession is an acknowledgment before God of our sins. The versions we use in public worship are deliberately vague about whether we are confessing our individual sins, our sins as a community, or both. A separate rite for private, individual confession exists but is rarely used.
Why do we do it?
When we confess our sins, we confront the ways that we fail to honor the image of God in ourselves and others. This honest appraisal of ourselves is important preparation for the grace and mercy that God shows us in the Eucharist that follows.
What it says about God
God desires that we should turn from our sins and live. The mercy of God is greater than any sinful action.
Messages for how we live
Calling to mind our sins, in the light of God, opens the path to renewal.
Knowing ourselves helps us to know God more perfectly.
For more – Read Psalm 51.