Confessing Sins: Where To Find Forgiveness And Peace

There are several ways to confess your sins, depending on your religious beliefs. In Christianity, confession is a sacrament in both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. It is recommended to confess your sins to a priest, who can offer absolution and guidance. However, if you are too shy or uncomfortable, you can also confess your sins directly to God in prayer. According to the Bible, you should also confess your sins to those you have sinned against, as confession is about healing and reconciliation. Before confessing, it is important to examine your conscience and reflect on your spiritual and moral life.

To a priest

Confessing Sins to a Priest

The Role of Priests

Priests are successors of the apostles, who were given the authority to forgive sins by Jesus himself. In John 20:21-23, Jesus says to the apostles:

> Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so I send you... Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained."

Jesus also gave the apostles the power to bind and loose sins in Matthew 18:18:

> "Verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

This power is exercised under the unique authority of the Keys, which was given to St. Peter in Matthew 16:18-19.

The Priest as Mediator

The priest acts as a mediator between the sinner and God, a role that was played by priests in the Old Testament. In Leviticus 5:1-10, we see that a sinner had to bring a trespass offering to the priest, who would then offer it to God and make atonement for the sin.

Jesus did not come to destroy the law but to fulfil it (Matthew 5:17-18). Therefore, the New Testament does not abolish the role of priests as mediators.

The Priest as a Representative of the Church

When we confess our sins to a priest, we are not only forgiven by God but also by the community that we have offended. The priest acts in "the person of the Church" or "in the person of the community".

The Priest Offers Personalised Counsel

When we confess our sins to a priest, we can receive counsel and advice that is tailored to our unique circumstances. The priest can also assign a penance that is specific to our situation, aiding the spiritual healing process.

The Priest Acts in Persona Christi

The priest acts in the person of Christ, meaning that when a penitent speaks to the priest, they are speaking to Christ, and when the priest speaks, it is Christ who speaks through him.

To God privately

While confession to a priest is encouraged, you can also confess your sins privately to God. This can be done anywhere, whether that's in your bedroom, in the library, or in prison.

Before you confess, it's important to first admit to yourself that you have sinned. You need to humble yourself and recognise that you don't live up to God's standards. Reflect on your spiritual and moral life, and make a note of the sins you've committed since your last confession. Ask yourself: "In what ways did I sin?" and "When did I fail to do the good or right thing when I should have?".

When you're ready to confess, you can use a historic prayer, such as:

> "Almighty and most merciful Father, I have erred and strayed from your ways like a lost sheep, I have followed too much the devices and desires of my own heart, I have offended against your holy laws, I have left undone those things which I ought to have done, and have done those things which I ought not to have done. O Lord, have mercy upon me, spare me and restore me as I confess my faults, according to the promises declared to me in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for Jesus’ sake, that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of your holy Name. Amen."

Alternatively, you can use your own words. You don't need to use any "magic words", but you should ensure you have a broken spirit and a repentant heart.

After you've confessed, you should make a determined inner effort to move past your sins and avoid them in the future. Resolve to repent and not return to your old ways.

To God in prayer

Confessing your sins to God in prayer is possible and can be done anywhere. However, it is not considered a substitute for confession with a priest, which is seen as a holy sacrament in some religions.

Preparing for confession

Before confessing your sins to God, it is important to first acknowledge and admit to yourself that you have sinned. You can then begin to identify the sins you want to confess. It is recommended to be as detailed and specific as possible, as this demonstrates a willingness to be vulnerable before God and shows your appreciation for the breadth of His forgiveness.

During confession

You can confess your sins to God through prayer. It is suggested that you pray for courage to confess and for guidance in identifying other areas of your life that require confession. It is also appropriate to grieve your sins and the hurt and separation they have caused.

After confession

After confessing your sins to God, you can be assured that He has forgiven you and that you are now free from the weight of your sins.

To those you've sinned against

If you have sinned against someone, the first step is to confess to them and make things right. This is a courageous act that can bring healing not only for yourself but also for the person you are confessing to. It is also a vital step in healing relationships that have been damaged by sin.

Confessing to those you've sinned against is not a necessity, but it is highly recommended. It is important to approach this process with humility and courage, recognising the hurt and separation your actions may have caused. Grieving your sin can help you to repent and turn away from it.

Be specific about what you are confessing. Avoid hiding your sin in generalities or minimising its impact. For example, instead of saying you "struggled with lust", be honest and specific about the actions you took, such as binging on pornography. By being specific, you are taking responsibility for your actions and seeking help to make positive changes.

Confessing to those you've sinned against can be uncomfortable, but it is a necessary step towards reconciliation and healing. It is also an opportunity to pray for one another and to experience the joy and freedom that comes with forgiveness.

Remember, the goal of confession is not to shame or embarrass, but to bring things into the light and seek guidance and support in overcoming sin struggles.

Face-to-face with a priest

If you choose to confess your sins face-to-face with a priest, you will need to prepare with an examination of your conscience. Reflect on your spiritual and moral life, and make a note of the sins you have committed since your last confession. Focus on the most pressing sins, but remember that nothing is too small to confess. Think about insults, cheating, lying, stealing, hurting someone for personal gain, and the good deeds you ignored. You should also consider whether you have prayed every day, and whether you have been treating yourself and your loved ones with love and respect.

Once you have prepared, you can go to your local church and look up the confession hours. These are usually listed in the church bulletin, on the door of the confessional, or you can ask a priest or church staff member.

When you are with the priest, begin with the Sign of the Cross and say, "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been [number of] day/months since my last confession." You can then begin to recount your sins. Do not feel embarrassed or that you need to hold back. You can speak freely, as nothing you say can be repeated outside of the confessional.

After you have confessed your sins, the priest will assign you a penance. This could be a prayer, an offering, works of mercy, service, or a sacrifice. It is designed to set you on the path of change from your sins, and it is important to complete it as soon as possible.

Finally, the priest will absolve you of your sins, telling you how much the Lord loves you.

Frequently asked questions