If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done. [1 John 1:8-9 (NCV)]

I enjoy working out and lifting weights. There is one exercise, however, that I dislike and avoid doing whenever possible: sit-ups. I abhor doing them, yet doing them is essential in order to have a strong core. So, begrudgingly, I do work on my abs (but not nearly as often or as enthusiastically as I should.) Confession is a bit like the sit-ups of our prayer life. It certainly isn’t pleasant and can even be a bit painful, yet it is an essential part of our daily faith regimen if we ever hope to grow spiritually strong.

Father guide us in our prayer lives so that we are willing to search our souls and exercise in honest self-evaluation and confession. Forgive us our sins; may your Holy Spirit lead us to be the people you want us to be.