Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” “But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin.

John 8:31-34

Dear God, I don’t think people usually link “the truth will set you free” to being a slave to sin. But that’s the whole idea of Jesus’ grace. Cutting the knot of our sin and setting us free. But when I have a sin that is hidden and protected then that sin has a power over me.

Although I worship in a Catholic Church, I am not Catholic. And although I don’t believe reconciliation (a.k.a. confession) is necessary theologically, I do think there is something to be said for it psychologically. One, it forces someone to consider what exactly their sins are and name them, and, two, it helps the person articulate it and confess it to someone else.

Father, in my life, my wife’s life, and in my children’s lives, I pray against the secrets and ask that you free all of us from the different types of slavery we might have allowed ourselves to be subject to. Give us the courage to confess our sin to you and to others, and help us to turn to you as our savior and redeemer.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen