26 14 Habits of Highly Effective Disciples
thirst for forgiveness and a healthy soul. Confession is an essential habit
for highly effective disciples.
Interpreting the Scriptures
A Model Prayer (Psalm 51)
Many scholars consider this psalm to be the prayer of David after being
confronted by his prophet, Nathan (See 2 Samuel 11–12). In this psalm,
David’s prayer contains the distinct facets of a confession. These facets
are not necessarily lockstep in movement; nor is confession a simple “I
apologize” thrown at someone in passing, but rather a serious, specific,
and sober acknowledgement of sin.
Stating the Obvious, and the Not So Obvious (Psalm 51:1–5)
51:1–2. Psalm 51’s Latin title is Miserere mei, Deus, or “Have mercy on
me, O God.” The plea illustrates the beginning point for anyone’s prayer
of confession.
The implicitly stated problem comes early in Psalm 51. The indi-
vidual recognizes being out of relationship with God and other persons.
“Transgressions,” (vile acts) are marring the person’s thought processes.
They are stalling his eager engagement of life, neutralizing any sense of
enjoyment, and have resulted in a sense of impurity.
51:3 – 5. One can see wrongdoing, but shift blame to others without
taking personal responsibility. All humanity feels the gravitational pull
towards repeating Adam’s statement to God: “I’m not at fault here. The
other one is.” Blame shifting neutralizes the confession process.
Rather than shifting blame, the psalmist takes the blame: “my
transgressions”; “my sin.” Note the singular form—sin—the psalmist
identifies his mortality, his human nature.
The process of confession becomes visible: identifying sinfulness;
taking responsibility for one’s wrongdoing; and recognizing the layers of
sinfulness lying beneath the more apparent transgression. A downward
spiral of one’s emotions can often accompany these identifications.