READ 1 John 1
If we walk in the light, we have fellowship with God.
 
INSIGHT
The truth about our sin is a difficult thing to keep balanced in our minds. On the one hand, we know we should not sin; it is wrong. We should never take sinning lightly. On the other hand, we all sin; it is unavoidable. The Apostle John writes: "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves" (v. 8). Therefore, God had to make provision for us to be in fellowship with Him. If we confess our sins, He will forgive us. When we sin, we can accept God's forgiveness and restoration to fellowship. We need not berate ourselves endlessly or do a form of penance. Only the blood of Christ can pay for our sins. And only confession can bring restoration to fellowship with God.
 
PRAYER
The Lord forgives and restores us to fellowship, and in fellowship we can praise Him:
Hallelujah!  
I will praise the Lord with all my heart
In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.
All that he does is splendid and majestic;  
His righteousness endures forever.
He fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;  
All who follow his instructions have good insight.  
His praise endures forever (Psalm 111:1, 3, 10).
 
Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Who perceives his unintentional sins?
Cleanse me from my hidden faults.  
Moreover, keep your servant from willful sins;  
Do not let them rule me.  
Then I will be blameless
And cleansed from blatant rebellion
(Psalm 19:12-13).
 
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21).
 
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Passion for moral excellence
• Christian educational institutions
• Whatever else is on your heart

 
Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Be strong, and let your heart be courageous,  
All you who put your hope in the Lord
(Psalm 31:24).