Throughout these Sundays of Lent, we have experimented with a unison prayer of confession early in our order of worship. This is new to most of us here but common for many Protestant churches like us. In my message, I want to interpret what confession means and why we do it. The logic of confessing our sins before God is contrary to the world’s logic around self-esteem. It is like how the world settles for tolerance, but the church insists on something deeper: grace.
I offer you this insightful poem by Maya Angelou in the spirit of preparing ourselves for Sunday.
When I say… “I am a Christian”
I’m not shouting “I’m clean livin.”
I’m whispering “I was lost,”
Now I’m found and forgiven.
When I say…”I am a Christian”
I don’t speak of this with pride.
I’m confessing that I stumble
and need CHRIST to be my guide.
When I say… “I am a Christian”
I’m not trying to be strong.
I’m professing that I’m weak
and need HIS strength to carry on.
When I say… “I am a Christian”
I’m not bragging of success.
I’m admitting I have failed
and need God to clean my mess.
When I say… “I am a Christian”
I’m not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
but, God believes I am worth it.
When I say… “I am a Christian”
I still feel the sting of pain,
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.
When I say… “I am a Christian”
I’m not holier than thou,
I’m just a simple sinner
who received God’s good grace, somehow.