One part of the discussion involved the idea that when we sin we tend to do a number of spiritual activities short of confession. (Read the Bible more, go to church more often....) We seemed to agree that these can become works if they are not accompanied by a sincere act of confession. Then Bruce offered up this idea, "Even confession can become a work." I think his comment caught some of the men off guard. Why? Because some looked upon the words of confession as some sort of magical prayer; pray these words and all will be well.
Without a doubt, sometimes believers use spiritual activities - prayer, Bible reading, church attendance - as an incantation, mantra, or talisman, as a means of protection or blessing from God. Back in 2000, Bruce Wilkinson wrote The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life. Now 10 years later I still hear believers offer up that prayer expecting God to bless them. They feel that if they say these words, with or without sincerity, God will meet the need. Could it be that we have come to the same place with 1 John 1:9? Possibly we go through day confessing in word but not in heart our sins with full expectation that God will forgive once again.
If that is our attitude and we feel certain that it will always work, why not add some other prayers to our daily mantra? In 2001, Sandy Simpson pulled together a list of Bible prayers that will enable the prayer to get everything they want out of God. Click here and enjoy. Also let me know if any work.
-Mark
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