Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 0-224

CONFESSION AND GOD’S PARDON

From ‘Sunrise Sunset’ (HarperCollins/Harper San Francisco), Rowland Croucher’s book of daily meditations. Feel free to use or adapt it.

Your sins are forgiven. Mark 2:5.

‘Tremble with fear and stop sinning’ (Psalm 4:4). Authentic worship involves ‘diminishing one’s load of narcissism’ (self-worship). Gathered worship is a positive way of dealing with guilt. Self- examination, confession, and the biblical word of ‘assurance’ are a fundamental part of worship.

Some churches, in their over-reaction to the manipulative, guilt- producing preaching of some fundamentalists and pentecostals, have overlooked the seriousness and prevalence of problems of guilt. Every worship service should provide opportunity for a realistic experience of confession and renewing an awareness of God’s acceptance and forgiveness.

‘Your sins are forgiven you’ – it’s the best news sinners can ever hear. How amazing that a holy God can have this sort of grace. The rest of the service moves into acts of celebration for that forgiveness. God and his people are reconciled. Alleluia!

I confess my sins to you, and name them in your holy presence… And Lord I receive your pardon and cleansing from all my sins. Thank you. Amen.

Shalom!

Rowland Croucher