If you are like me and worship in a liturgical tradition you likely say a prayer of repentance every Sunday. And more likely than not it begins something like this:
Most merciful God we confess that we have sinned against you
Even if you don’t worship in a liturgical tradition you are likely familiar with the Jesus Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner
Repentance involves a turning away from sin, evil, and death. To turn is to begin a process of change and reconciliation with the Trinity. To go from illness and into health.
So what role does repentance play in our lives? The more I’ve thought about this and slowly practiced it (I’m not always ready to admit my actual sins let alone be convicted about my sins of omission or the things I ought to have done but have not) the more I realize my regular need for it. In fact, the more I can practice repentance regularly the more easily I can recall sin and be reconciled to God with my ever wandering heart.
My basic point is not that profound. Repentance is more than a Sunday affair and repentance is not abstract it is specific. If you’re proud like me pray for mercy from God so that you might actually turn from sin.
May the Lord be with you today,
Alexei
The Missional Life 