Before the practice of  confessing our sins to God in worship fell out of favor and practice in the church, God’s people regularly used the ten commandments as a guide for their time of confession. Here is a simple prayer that guides you through the second table of the law of God found in Exodus 20:12-17 or Deuteronomy 5:16-21.

God, our heavenly Father, we beseech Your mercy and forgiveness…

• For not making every effort to show our family, friends and especially our parents, all the love, consideration and respect that we can.
• For thinking unkindly of others and harboring ill-will and bitterness in our hearts towards them.
• For allowed our eyes to wander and our minds to indulge in desires for intimacy with those to whom we are not married.
• For taking time, services, money, and goods from others to which we have no right.
• For causing offense by hurtful words said and helpful words unsaid and for not pursuing a lifestyle of radical honesty.
• And for not contentedly loving and serving You in the station in which You have placed us in Your good providence.

Thank you that Jesus our Savior perfectly obeyed you for us, and He died a sacrificial death to pay the debt of our disobedience. Now, empower us by Your Spirit so that we delight to do what You command. For we make our prayer in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, AMEN.