OPENING SENTENCE(S)
Say one or more of these verses.
- When a wicked person turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he shall save his life. Ezekiel 18:27
- I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Psalm 51:3
- The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:17
- If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared. Psalm 130:3–4
- I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” Luke 15:18–19
- Enter not into judgment with your servant, for no one living is righteous before you. Psalm 143:2
INVITATION TO CONFESSION
Dearly beloved, the Scriptures teach us that we should not disguise or conceal our sins before the face of Almighty God, our heavenly Father, but confess them with a humble, lowly, penitent, and obedient heart, that we may obtain forgiveness by his infinite goodness and mercy. Therefore I urge you to accompany me with a pure heart and humble voice to the throne of heavenly grace.
GENERAL CONFESSION
All may kneel.
Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against your holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and apart from your grace, there is no health in us. But you, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare them, O God, who confess their faults. Restore them that are penitent, according to your promise declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
PRAYER FOR ABSOLUTION
O Lord, we ask you to absolve your people from their offenses, that through your bountiful goodness, we may be delivered from the bonds of those sins which, in our weakness, we have committed. Grant this, O heavenly Father, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord and Savior. Amen.
ADDITIONAL EXERCISES
For occasional use before or after Confession.
- Say the Ten Commandments.
- Review the Questions for Self-Examination.
- Pray the Examen.
- Sing “Just As I Am,” “All to Jesus I Surrender,” “I Want a Principle Within,” “Arise My Soul, Arise,” or another fitting hymn.
- Read a penitential Psalm: 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, or 143.
- Read a Psalm about righteousness: 1, 15, 11, 12, 18:21–35, 19, 26, 34, 40, 92, 111, 112.
- Say one of the Prayers of Confession & Consecration.