Prayers of Confession
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”—James 5:16 (NIV)
What emotions does the word confession stir up in you? Perhaps you feel fear, embarrassment, or insecurity. It’s totally normal to get uncomfortable when talking about confession because it involves vulnerability. Not just vulnerability with emotions, but vulnerability with weaknesses and flaws.
Like most difficult and scary things; however, confession is worth the risk! Not only because of the benefits on the other side, but also because it’s a part of our call to repentance. In repentance, we turn from our sin and turn towards Christ, receiving His undeserved love and forgiveness that cleanses us. In 1 John 1:9 (NIV), John describes it like this, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Extensive studies show that there are psychological and emotional benefits to practicing confession. For example, practicing honesty and vulnerability in our relationships reduces cortisol levels, improves immune function, and reduces the intensity of guilt that unconfessed thoughts or behavior often lead to. Science has proven to further support what the Bible has already demonstrated and said, and today’s verse is the best example!
In the Book of James, James writes a concise letter to the Jews of the early church describing what it means to live as a follower of Christ. This book focuses on the practical implications of the theology and messages of Jesus and other disciples which they were building their lives on. Towards the end of the letter, James addresses prayer—a vital part of the Christian journey and the church. He calls them to pray for those who are in trouble or who are sick, including those who are sinning, so they may receive forgiveness. Right after saying this, he writes the verse for today: “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” This call to prayer is paired with a call to confession because confession goes hand-in-hand with repentance, forgiveness, and healing.
In Proverbs 28:13 (NIV), the author echoes this same sentiment, saying, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Confession opens your heart to God’s redemptive work as you actively release the burdens of your sin and shame to Him! Not only is this the reason regular confession in your prayer life is vital to growing closer to God, but it’s also why practicing confession with your trusted community is so powerful, too.
In today’s Scripture, James actually calls this out by mentioning confession “to each other.” Because of the Holy Spirit, which God sent to live in His believers’ hearts and dwell in His church, we get to help each other heal and find freedom by the way God uses us to display His love, grace, and mercy towards each other. Consider today how you can practice confession with trusted and godly people in your life and how you can be a safe space for others to do the same thing with you!