Friday, January 5, 2018 Reflections on Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster The Discipline of Confession Part 4: A Pastor’s Wisdom on How To Receive a Confession

Friday, January 5, 2018

Reflections on Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster

The Discipline of Confession Part 4: A Pastor’s Wisdom on How To Receive a Confession

Excerpt:

“The Discipline of confession brings an end to pretense. God is calling into being a Church that can openly confess its frail humanity and know the forgiving and empowering graces of Christ. Honesty leads to confession, and confession leads to change. May God give grace to the Church once again to recover the Discipline of confession. (Foster, Richard J.. Celebration of Discipline: The Path To Spiritual Growth (p. 156-157). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition.)”

Devotional:

As always, I am so enriched by reading Richard J. Foster’s wisdom on the spiritual disciplines. He is such a blessing to me and to the body of Christ. Today, he gently outlines the method for receiving confession from other believers. A short synopsis for those desiring to be available to others for this vulnerable relationship:

·       First, we are encouraged that we should live under the Cross and in confession ourselves. This renders us capable of receiving any sin without blinking, because we have been so forgiven ourselves.

·       Continually pray that God’s light will shine though us to those from whom we receive confession so that His light and love flow through and they sense the safety of opening their heart in our presence because His presence surrounds it.

·       Discipline ourselves to remain quiet during the confession, and do not pry. Instead, pray that God will help them to reveal the key to their freedom.

·       Pray that the Cross will be spiritually set between you and the one giving the confession.

·       Pray silently and inwardly for the person giving the confession prayers of grace, mercy, and forgiveness (Pastor Foster gently reminds that being showy in your praying this for them would be unkind).

·       Finally, speak words of forgiveness and absolution. If possible, lay hands on the one confessing and pray over and with them for healing, freedom, and that they would not continue to live in condemnation. Counsel can take place during this time if the Lord leads.

While I have received the confession of some over the years as an organic, lay minister, counselor, recovery sponsor and friend, I am excited to have this practical, compassionate teaching to refer to when the Lord leads me into this place of receiving confession. I would add that entering into such a relationship is done soberly, prayerfully, and humbly. I do feel led to pray over the parents joining me in this prayer group that God will open this relationship between them and their spouse. I believe and have seen modeled and experienced myself that this place of intimacy is the strongest, most healing source of confession. As a believing spouse, let us pray that we first would become a safe confessor for our spouse, and then that we would have the same place of safety for them. Also, to be a safe place for our children is a beautiful thing. That we would not project criticism, disappointment, or disapproval in general but that we would model humility, loving correction, and adherence to the Word of God ourselves to make it safe for them to do the same.

May God instill these truths in all of us today.

Prayer:

Thanksgiving:

Father, once again I thank You that You have provided wise, Godly men and women like Pastor Foster to go before us and guide, counsel and train us as believers for the work of ministry. I give You glory for Your beautiful plan for Your Church. I worship You today for Your mercy, compassion, grace and forgiveness.

Confession:

I lift my confession to You today. I thank You that You hear me, and forgive me. (Take time to allow the Lord to examine you, confess, and receive healing and freedom. If this is a new discipline for you, I do want to let you know that I am willing and available to receive confession if you desire. I do, however, encourage each of us to have a trusted person we share our confession with, eye to eye, hand to hand and shoulder to shoulder.) (Mine today: I pulled my husband into a conflict when I should have had forbearance. Please forgive me and work forbearance in me.)

Supplication:

I lift my needs to You today for Your touch, healing and intervention. Help me to cast my care on You and trust You to care for me. (Take time to journal your needs and requests, making note of progress and victories.) (Mine today: This transition from vacation to work is making me feel anxious. When Robert is working he disconnects from the family and I feel bereft. Help me. Wisdom for Christian’s pooping on the walls.)

Intercession:

Father, I lift my family to You today. I give this home and these wonderful gifts to You. (Journal prayers for each person, including victories and progress.) (Mine today: Robert work and emotional regulation and ability to communicate. Christian poop, speech, school Monday. Chloe: friends, obedience, kindness, social and play skills, communication, self control.)

Thanksgiving and Consecration:

I worship You, Holy Father, and I thank You for this precious gift of time with You! Bless You and praise You for Your awesome love and goodness. Seal this time for Your purposes, and protect our home and family today. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.

Blessing and Benediction:

The Lord bless you and keep you

The Lord make His face to shine upon you

And be gracious unto you

The Lord lift up His countenance on you

And give you peace.

God richly bless your path today!