Healing Through Confession

LORD, have you completely rejected Judah?

Do you really hate Jerusalem?

Why have you wounded us past all hope of healing?

We hoped for peace, but no peace came.

We hoped for a time of healing, but found only terror.

LORD, we confess our wickedness

and that of our ancestors, too.

We all have sinned against you.

For the sake of your reputation, LORD, do not abandon us.

Do not disgrace your own glorious throne.

Please remember us,

and do not break your covenant with us.

Jeremiah 14:19-21

When Jeremiah prayed for the spiritual healing of the nation of Judah, he confessed the sins of his people first. Sin—either ours or the sins of others—inevitably brings pain and suffering. Often when Jesus healed a physical illness or infirmity, he addressed the sick person’s sin first. When friends lowered a paralyzed man into a crowd before Jesus, he said: “Young man, your sins are forgiven” (Luke 5:20). Jeremiah confessed his people’s sins with an attitude of utter helplessness and dependence on God, his Savior. No other god but the Lord was his hope, so Jeremiah was determined to wait on the Lord to act (14:22).

When you know that you are suffering pain from sin, follow Jeremiah’s lead and cast yourself on the Lord’s mercy.

• Lord, I confess my sin and trust that you will not abandon me . . .