by Mark Hooper

As we continue to explore the various forms of prayer, the followers of Jesus must remember a foundational concept: prayer is ultimately communication with God. Those of us who are married know communication can be complex, and our attitude in how we communicate is often as critical as what we say. It is the same with prayer.

Jesus illustrates this concept with the parable of the Pharisee and tax collector praying in the Temple (Luke 18:9-14). The Pharisee prays in arrogance of his own self-righteousness, while the tax collector humbles himself before God, begging for mercy because he is a sinner. Jesus condemns the Pharisee and praises the confession of the tax collector and his humility, saying he went away justified. Wait, the prayer of a tax collector is more pleasing to God than that of a Pharisee?? Yes, humility is the key factor, but how was it expressed in prayer? Confession.

Some familiar prayer phrases often used by Christians define this sentiment:

We humble ourselves before you.
You are God, and I am not.
Father, forgive me for I am a sinner.

And posture in prayer often reflects humility and confession:

Prostration
Bended knees
Bowing heads

David, the author of many prayers in the form of songs, utilized confession often, most notably in Psalm 51. He states, “Against you, and you only have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight.” Jesus in his model prayer, includes the important phrase “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” In fact, in most prayers recorded throughout the Bible, confession plays a prominent place in the context of regaining God’s favor. Why is this necessary? Doesn’t God already know what we have done and that we are all sinners? Of course, He does. But it is important that WE remember this ourselves. Offering prayers of confession helps us in several ways:

Humility: We are not as good as we try to appear.
Self-awareness: God knows our weaknesses/sins, but do we?
Dependency on God: Acknowledging that we are hopeless and helpless without God.
Deeper relationship: Vulnerability with God and receiving His grace and acceptance causes a deeper love for our Savior and King.
Compassion for others: Admitting our own unworthiness makes us feel love for others and the desire to help them overcome guilt, shame, and fear through our Savior Jesus.

In leading others to Christ, confessional prayer often happens spontaneously. As a person discovers God and Christ through the story of scripture, obedience to God’s purpose for us is emphasized among the characters. This causes the emerging disciple to reflect on his/her own shortcomings and confess these to God and others. Confession and a heart for confessional prayer often results from discovery Bible studies, using questions like “What do you learn about God in this story?” or “How will you put into practice (obey) the principles of this story in your life?” The hearts that are seeking a relationship with God will confess their failure to meet God’s standards and realize the need for good news in their lives.

Disciple makers model confession and vulnerability. Their own accountability before God is seen in their lives, in part through their prayers uttered in community. Those who lead others to be disciples and make disciples demonstrate humility and dependency on God in confessional prayer. New believers identify with this vulnerability and are willing to follow these leaders to Jesus.

Test this in your own prayer life. Pray confessional prayers in humility. Be specific about your weaknesses and sin before God. My experience is that you will feel a closer and deeper relationship with God and Christ. Your own vulnerability will strengthen your dependency on the Lord. Others will notice a change in you. They may even hear confessional prayers as you pray together. This will draw them closer to you and to God as well.

All honor belongs to God.

Confessional Prayer - July 2021