Scripture: Daniel 9:4-6
I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, “Ah, Lord, great and awesome God, keeping covenant and steadfast love with those who love you and keep your commandments, we have sinned and done wrong, acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and ordinances. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land.”
Thought for the Day: The Hebrew word we translate as confession literally means to throw away or cast down. It is the process by which we acknowledge and begin distancing ourselves from sin and failures. In this confessional piece from Daniel, we clearly hear a declaration of faith. God is awesome, keeping alive the covenant through an unshakeable love. Without an appreciation of God’s love (it could also be translated as: Merciful kindness), an individual is not going to feel comfortable in confessing his/her rebellion and utter failure. Fear does not create a contrite heart that truly desires transformation. It is only when we realize that God wants the best for us that we can more genuinely concede our shortcomings. Merciful kindness and love are the means by which our transgressions are removed – cast down – but confession is how we acknowledge our need for those gifts.
Prayer: I trust your love, Merciful God, and I bring all of who I am before you in prayer. Through my confessions, take away those things that keep me from participating in the Kingdom life. Amen.
TODAY
At Noon and 6:30pm
