“One of the ways relational intimacy develops in times of shared prayer is through confession. The first thing we ought to confess is our sin of not confessing our sins to one another.”- Jared C. Wilson
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.”- James 5:16
As Jared Wilson continues Chapter 6 of The Imperfect Disciple, he notes that “in communal prayer we reveal the desires and depressions of our heart.” We share our burdens as well as reveal what matters most to us. And as we connect to God, we connect to each other.
However, Pastor Wilson observes, we demonstrate reluctance and fear to confess our sins to each other. That, he contends, directly results from our failure to achieve authentic community in our churches. Hence, Jared explains the link between confession and communal intimacy. He writes:
“The two feed each other: confession creates communal intimacy and communal intimacy produces confession. When we confess our sins to each other, we set up the opportunity to share the gospel with each other, and there’s no greater privilege God gives us than to share the good news.”
Most importantly, Pastor Wilson sees Holy Communion as a family meal of Christ’s body and blood. Furthermore, the Lord’s Supper powerfully proclaims the gospel in a Christ-exalting way to each other individually and to God collectively.
In conclusion, Jared stresses that through partaking of the Lord’s Supper we worshipfully and prayerfully confess our sins and commit commitment to Christ alone with our brothers and sisters. That makes this family meal the most powerful prayer of all.
Today’s question: In what ways do you see confession developing relational intimacy through shared prayer? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The actual church – a motley crew of sinners”
