An Earnest Confession of Sin

This meditation is based on a passage for February 21, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Daniel 9:3-10

Reflection and Question: Daniel is one of the great heroes of the Old Testament, finding a way to sustain his faith while in exile and seeing visions that become a model for others like John, the writer of Revelation, the last book of the New Testament. His fervent prayer of confession teaches us how to share our sin with God in this penitential season of Lent. Daniel contrasts God’s greatness with our failures in faith. He repeats twice what is also true for us now: “Open shame falls on us.” Like Daniel, we have committed treachery against God and disobeyed God’s voice. What shame falls on you?

Prayer: Great and August God, You never waver in Your covenant commitment, never give up on those who love You and do what You say. Yet we have done evil things, rebelled, dodged and taken detours around Your clearly marked paths. Forgive us. Amen. (Adapted from Eugene Peterson, The Message, p.1599)