We sang The Precious Blood before the confession, from the Valley of Vision CD. Afterwards, we sang

My dad went to the conference, and really appreciated this time of confession. I’m curious, which songs did you choose to sing following this time (that focused on full forgiveness in Christ)? Thank-you for your efforts…

Thanks for your encouragement and question.

I’ve found that when we read anything corporately, there can be a tendency to get more caught up in trying to stay together than in focusing on the meaning of what we’re saying. By mixing it up - me, men, women, everyone - we were able to speak from our own hearts as well as listen to other varied voices confess our sinfulness. Changing who speaks also gives a little breathing (thinking?) space between the lines. Of course, during the conference we also read a prayer from the Valley of Vision corporately and it seemed to work fine.

The time of reading this confession was yet another example of how well we were led at the conference. Thank you so much for all of your hard work.

I did have a question regarding the confession reading. I thought it worked very well to split the words up between yourself, the men, the women, and then all of us together. What thoughts were behind approaching it this way, and why do you think it was so
effective?

Thanks,
Bryan

Thank you for this excellent example of a prayer of corporate confession. As a Worship Pastor, I have been convicted in recent months to begin incorporating regular times of confession in our worship services, but have been unsure exactly how to go about it. This wonderful example gives me a good idea of what I need to do. Thanks again.

Kyle

God really used that time on Friday night in my life in a significant way. The Holy Spirit was so kind to convict my heart of a very self-righteous pattern in my shepherding role at my local church. I was broken over the reality that as I watch for souls and see their need for progress in sanctification that I often think of them in self-righteous way. Like, “Why doesn’t so and so see their folly?” or “How could they be so blind to their weakness?” All the while I am just as blind and callous to the manifestations of my own flesh. God was so kind to bring specific instances of doing this in my mind and even remind me of things I shared with my wife about people I was “burdened” for.

That night I confessed my sin to God, claimed the promises of forgiveness purchased by the atoning death of Christ and repented. Afterwards I sought restitution with my wife and asked her forgiveness for talking about it the way I did. I shared this in confession at our men’s accountability group today and asked for prayer and accountability.

What a means of grace the law can be as it reveals our sin and drives us to the cross of Jesus Christ! This is not just for conversion, this is for life.

Thanks for this post because upon reading it I was reminded of the Spirit’s gracious work in my life that night!

Great prayer! I hope your readers print it off to use as a springboard for their own prayers of confession. I know I will. Thanks! In Christ,

Phil