Sharpen The Edge {Again}

Brothers and sisters, it may be true that one of the more understated and underemphasized yet fundamental resources we have daily as believers is a specific manner of prayer called confession. Adoration as prayer frequently precedes our praise and worship, and as such is familiar. Further, the 'Lord's Prayer', so well known, begins with, "Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name" puts adoration [of 'Hashem'], of His Name, front and center, although, in prayer 'Adonai' is most often used. Thanksgiving is readily identified as an attitude we all should carry, as well as being a manner of prayer. We all relate to the need to come to God for our needs to be met, great and small, no matter what or when. This manner of prayer is supplication. This is about our asking.

But the 'bespeckled, gap-toothed orphan' of prayers, confession, is often left in the shadows of our agenda. Given that so much modern 'preaching' barely elevates above motivational speaking, that we are 'good', or 'good enough,' then it is no surprise how confession within the body of Christ is relatively modest. But 1 John 1 says it all and is consistent with the gospel message that 'Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost' (Luke 19:10), coupled with a strong message of repentance: to turn away from self and turn towards the God of our salvation in every conceivable way.

We cannot begin to 'sharpen the edge' of our faith without beginning with earnest confession, personally and corporately. The quality of our fellowship, and our personal walk with God require it. Our communion with Him requires it. Amen?

PRAYER: Precious Lord, we confess that we often have not waited patiently for You. We, often, have preferred to sing our own song, to go our own way, and to put our trust apart from Your will and Your ways. Rather than trusting You, we lean upon institutions and individual strength, and sometimes the church itself. In error, we willfully put our hope and passion upon culture and tradition, upon 'man'. We polish our own 'golden bull'. We confess that it is easier to bring You material sacrifices and offerings above offering our lives to You. We sometimes search for [and find] delight in all the wrong places. We keep quiet about the ways we have experienced Your love and Your presence and sometimes forget how we have been 'delivered'. We let that 'amnesia' feel safe. We, often, fail to invite others to come and see You, the source of life, and love, and light, at work all about us. O' God, forgive us. Lord! Forgive me! Abide in me, and in us all, until Your new song of hope and redemption pours from the lips of our hearts, aloud, and Your love is shared throughout our words and deeds liberally. Heavenly Father, in Jesus' name, hear my plea. Forgive us dear Lord. Amen.
By Dea. McNeal Brockington