Pray Boldly
Relieved: How Confession Encourages Us to Pray Boldly
A little daughter, a big lesson: Abby was adventurous – and surprisingly honest when she had done something wrong. This childlike openness shows how liberating confession can be. Those who speak the truth before God need not hide. They can pray more boldly, feel lighter, and trust anew.
The Power of Honesty
Abby was never a child one would call 'bad.' Of course, she was naughty from time to time, as children are. Once, she hid in a dark closet to secretly eat an entire basket of Easter candies. Another time, I found her under her bed with a flashlight, painting her nails with my nail polish – quite a mess!
What I particularly love about Abby is her willingness to quickly confess her mischief and apologize. Often, she would come to me after bedtime with tears in her eyes and say, “Mom, I need to tell you something...” After her confession, she would hug me and say, “I just couldn’t sleep without telling you the truth. Now my heart feels better!”
The Lesson of Confession
Over the years, Abby has taught me a lot about confession. Even as a small child, she knew that disobedience separates us from the people we love, and most importantly, from God. But she also recognized that taking responsibility and speaking the truth leads to restoration. Even when she feared getting in trouble, it was worth the risk to lighten her heart. She knew she needed us, and that made it worthwhile, no matter what happened.
The same is true for our relationship with God. Confession is a part of prayer that we often avoid. It is humbling to stand before God and speak the truth about ourselves. It is easier to praise Him, express gratitude, or cry out to Him in despair. But confess? No, thank you.
God's Invitation to Restoration
Yet the truth is that God already knows everything – nothing is hidden from Him. He is not only the Almighty Lord but also our kind Father, full of compassion and love. Again and again, He offers His children redemption and restoration in the Bible when they are willing to humble themselves and pray (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Psalm 51 presents a beautiful picture of the confessing prayer, as David seeks God's mercy for the sins he committed with Bathsheba. One can imagine him looking up to the Father and whispering: Abba, I need to tell you something...
“For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you alone, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.” (Psalm 51:3-4)
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The Heart of David
David was a man after God's own heart; he knew God's character and had experienced His faithfulness. Like Abby, he understood that it would be worth it to unburden his heart before his heavenly Father, even if there were consequences. He hated the thought of disappointing the Lord, but he hated the separation between them even more.
So he confessed. He told God the truth and asked for His help in changing:
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and