God's Word on PrayerSample

CONFESSION

Psalm 51 is one of the most remarkable chapters in the Old Testament. This psalm contains the words of confession uttered by King David after his grievous sins against David, Uriah, Israel, and, ultimately, God (2 Sam. 11). The prayer he offered can serve as a pattern for us when we sin.

a. David began by freely admitting his sin (Ps. 51:3–4). This honesty is vital in our confession. God will graciously forgive all our sins, but not on account of our excuses.

b. He then displayed genuine sorrow over his sin (Ps. 51:17). Paul wrote the main characteristic of true confession is godly sorrow (2 Cor. 7:10).

c. He asked for God’s forgiveness (Ps. 51:1, 7–9).

d. He believed God had heard him and would restore him (Ps. 51:12–15).

In the New Testament, the most important verse concerning confession is 1 John 1:9. In essence, John told us the means of forgiveness and cleansing is the blood of Christ, while the method of this forgiveness and cleansing is confession. Like David, we must admit our sin, regret the actions of our sin, plead the blood of Christ, and believe that God has indeed done what He promised, namely, to cleanse us from sin and restore us to fellowship and service.

This Bible study is an excerpt fromThe OPEN Bible, Published by Thomas Nelson Bibles