Confession

Recently I read Daniel 9, and was reminded of the central, indispensable role of confession. Daniel cries out:

. . . we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. We have not listened to your servants the prophets (5-6). . . . Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame (7) . . . because we have sinned against you (8) . . . refusing to obey you (11) . . . . The LORD did not hesitate to bring the disaster upon us, for the LORD our God is righteous in everything he does; yet we have not obeyed him (14).

Despite feeling the weight of their shame, Daniel does not shrink from pleas for mercy:

O Lord, according to all your righteous acts, let your anger and your wrath turn away from your city (16). . .listen to the prayer of your servant and to his pleas for mercy, and for your own sake, O Lord, make your face to shine upon your sanctuary, which is desolate (17). . . . For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name (18-19).

I want to learn to pray like that: with true humility and contrition, and passion for God's honor in His people. I also want to teach Elisabeth the grace of confession, that they are not just words that we say, but the expression of hearts that grieve over sin, and want God's mercy and name to be exalted.