Having praised the holiness of God, we must also face the sinful state of the world and of our lives. In worship we are honest about who God is and who we are. We pray a common prayer of confession to stand in solidarity with the sinfulness, captivity, and brokenness of the whole church and the world. In this way, confession has an intercessory function. Next, we have a time of personal prayer, to confess the sins that are particular to ourselves. We approach God with confidence, trusting in the mercy of Jesus Christ. The Assurance of Pardon reminds us that Jesus' death cleanses us from sin and his resurrection frees us to renew our discipleship. We are never condemned when we confess our sins to God; we are pardoned. Assured that we have peace with God, we take a moment to share God's peace with each other. We say, "May the peace of Christ be with you." This liturgical action points to the reality that God's forgiveness heals human relationships. God promises that the forgiveness, pardon, and reconciliation that begins in the church will one day transform the whole world. Now you know, Why We Do That.
#9: Why do we say a Prayer of Confession?
Having praised the holiness of God, we must also face the sinful state of the world and of our lives. In worship we are honest about who God is and who we are. We pray a common prayer of confession to stand in solidarity with the sinfulness, captivity, and brokenness of the whole church and the world. In this way, confession has an intercessory function. Next, we have a time of personal prayer, to confess the sins that are particular to ourselves. We approach God with confidence, trusting in the mercy of Jesus Christ. The Assurance of Pardon reminds us that Jesus' death cleanses us from sin and his resurrection frees us to renew our discipleship. We are never condemned when we confess our sins to God; we are pardoned. Assured that we have peace with God, we take a moment to share God's peace with each other. We say, "May the peace of Christ be with you." This liturgical action points to the reality that God's forgiveness heals human relationships. God promises that the forgiveness, pardon, and reconciliation that begins in the church will one day transform the whole world. Now you know, Why We Do That.