Confession of sin is an integral part of a Christian’s prayer time.
We are sinners by nature: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
Acknowledging our sin is the first step in acknowledging our need for a savior.
Once we accept that we are sinners and accept God as our Savior, we don’t magically stop sinning.
Throughout our Christian lives we need to diligently work at weeding sin our of our hearts and lives.
Before praying prayers of confession, take time to humbly examine your life and find where sin may be showing up. Confess these sins to God and accept his forgiving grace.
If you can’t think of any sin in your life, you’re probably not digging deep enough. Again, we ALL sin.
So, how do you find sin that needs to be confessed?
The Holy Spirit will convict you of your sin. That nudging in your conscience could be the Spirit convicting you.
We can also pray for God to reveal to us the sins of our hearts. David does this is Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.”
The Bible – the Word of God – can also help us see the sin in our lives. The more we read the Bible, the more we know the heart of God and the more clearly we can see our sin.
Once we confess our sin we must also move on and not keep sinning in that way.
Bible Verses About Confession of Sin
Acts 3:19 – Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.
Psalm 32:5 – Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my inquity. I said. “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.
1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Proverbs 28:13 – Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
Leviticus 5:5 – So it shall be when he becomes guilty in one of these, that he shall confess that in which he has sinned.
Be sure to check out all parts of the “How to Pray” series:
What Are Prayers of Adoration?
What Are Prayers of Confession?
