The process can be a little intimidating if you don't know how it works, whether you've just converted, or if it's just been a long time since your last confession.What can you do?What do you have to say?How rigid is the process?Enjoy!It's simple, as we'll show you in the steps below.
Step 1: Do you have a conscience.
You probably want to have an idea of what to say since you're going to confession.An examination of conscience is when you sit back and reflect on your actions.Call to mind your behavior since your last confession, from the smallest to the largest of sins.It is possible to pray to the Holy Spirit during this time.Do you not know where to start?Have I disobeyed any of the commandments?Is my faith nourished?I wonder if anything else in my life has influenced me more than God.Is it possible that I have denied or doubted my faith?Have I hurt other people?Did I reject any part of my faith?Is it possible that I have been forgiven?What are the causes of my bad behavior?What are the temptations I surround myself with?
Step 2: You should understand the difference between mortal and venial sin.
Venial sins are nothing to be ashamed of, though forgiveness should still be sought.Lying to a friend to get out of a party, using God's name in vain, and so on are your everyday sins.The mortal sins are no laughing matter.There are three conditions that must be present in order for a sin to be mortal.You have to understand what you're doing at the time.You must have done it on your own.Your priest will keep your secrets.Whatever it is, he won't pass judgement or let your secrets out.Even under threat of death!He can be trusted.You don't have to worry about the consequences of telling him.To not tell him is a sin.Many people think they can easily commit a mortal sin, which leads to scrupulosity and eventually, OCD.This is not true.Most sins are venial because people don't understand the criteria of mortal sins.The sin has to be severe.For example, grave matter includes murder, rape, selling illegal drugs or illegal drug abuse, adultery, and theft of very expensive.Minor sins can be committed with knowledge and consent.You can't commit a mortal sin if either the sin you committed was not grave even if you chose to do it anyway and with full knowledge, if it did involve grave matter.There are no venial sins that could ever become mortal sins.Venial sins include stealing something cheap, arguing with siblings, fighting someone for having a different opinion, and speeding.Venial sins are to be avoided just because you go to Hell.
Step 3: There is a confession session.
It is possible to do this by dropping in or making a phone call.The easiest way to find a priest is to go to a scheduled session.You can schedule a private session with a quick phone call or meeting.Don't be afraid to go to the church.Many churches post confession on a sign outside or in the church bulletin, which can be found at the entrances.Some are online.If you have a lot to talk about, private sessions are a good idea.A confession can last 10 or so minutes.Feel free to ask for a private session if you think yours will last longer.
Step 4: Please pray that you will be honest and contrite.
To ensure that your penitence is meaningful and true, it's always a good idea to do a little prayer before confession.You want to go in with the best intentions.A good confession requires you to put your heart and soul into it.If you sat down with the priest and only muttered "I hurt my friend" between sobs of regret, that would be better than listing out every sin you've committed since your last confession.Being true and faithful is what it's all about.The act of confession is about contrition.
Step 5: Take your seat in the church.
If there is no one else in the church, you can go directly into the confessional, but it's nice to take a break by yourself.The church is almost all you have to yourself.Are you able to feel its energy?How do you feel about your part in the Lord's kingdom?Take a moment to kneel and pray with your hands together.Take a moment to reflect on your faith and how you feel.Think about how you've been responding to God's call and living in the light of his love.
Step 6: The confessional is where you enter.
The priest is ready for you.You will probably see him by himself or someone else.Either sit across from him or behind the screen, it's up to you.Either way, he will treat you the same.He should make the sign of the cross upon his prompt.Since my last confession, it has been blank.This is how you say it.It's fine if you just sit down and say hello.The priest knows what he's doing.The Byzantine Rite is not the same as the other ones.The priest may put something on your head.It is possible that he will also do the Prayer of Absolution.The idea is the same, just go wherever he takes you.
Step 7: Follow the priest's advice.
Just sit back and follow the priest's lead once you've made the sign of the cross.He will ask you a number of questions, including how long it has been since your last confession, how you are feeling, and what sins you would like to discuss with him.It's a casual conversation.Do not worry.There is no pressure on your part.If you want to leave with a clean heart, you're more than welcome in the church.There is a way to confess.
Step 8: Don't deny your sins.
Think about it this way, the priest you're talking to has probably heard everything before.Whatever you say won't change his mind.Start rattling them off from the most serious to the least when he asks.Do not go into detail if he asks you any questions."I did so and so" will suffice.Your priest is going to be very understanding.It's fine if you don't remember the exact time.It's fine if you don't remember your motivation.All your priest cares about is that you're being honest and that your heart is in the right place.
Step 9: As the priest gives counsel, listen.
He will talk you through everything and let you know that God loves you, sin and all.He may suggest ideas to bring you closer to God.He's here to help.You will be asked to make an Act of Contrition.My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart, in choosing to do wrong and not do good, and I have sinned against You whom I should love.My God, I am very sorry for offending you, but I will do penance, and avoid anything that leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us, in his name, my God.I don't like all of my sins because they are punishment.They offend you, my God, who is all good and deserving of all my love.To sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin is what I firmly resolve to do.Amen.
Step 10: The priest will recommend penance and offer an apology.
Don't worry!It won't be a big deal.You can walk away if you have to say a few prayers.You now have a clean slate to work with.It will feel good."absolution" means your sins are washed away."penance" shows God that you are truly sorry for what you've done and wish for nothing more than to be forgiven.
Step 11: The confessional feels a little lighter.
You will be given a "Go in peace to love and serve the Lord" by the priest.Say thank you, walk out, and be excited!You have a clean slate after your sins have been forgiven.You're close to God.Can you feel it?What are you going to do with your new start?Don't fret if you forgot a sin.Your intentions have been forgiven along with the others by God.You might want to mention it next time.It could turn into some unnecessary guilt.
Step 12: Return to your pew if you wish.
Many choose to return to their pew and resume prayer, offering a silent thanks to God.There's no better time to channel God than right now.You can return to your seat and end your reconciliation with prayer.Many people think about how they can avoid the sins in the future.When will you confess the next time?How can you find inspiration to live in His image?Now is the time to try to live as he intended.
Step 13: You need to complete your penance.
As soon as possible is the best time to do penance.Seek to fulfill His desires as soon as possible, even if that means sitting in the pew or having a conversation with a loved one.When all is said and done, you will be very relieved.You may want to take a moment to thank God after your penance is over.It is wonderful to be a part of God's glory, if you think about how much he loves you.Not everyone is lucky.
Step 14: Stay aligned with God is what the pledge says to do.
It's not expected that you won't sin again.God knows that's ridiculous.It is expected that you seek to avoid situations that lead to sin.It is not wise to view confession as an excuse to sin.No, no.A part of bringing humanity closer to God is confession.He wants you to do your best.Keep in mind God's part in your life and how you can live as he wants you to.If you want to live in similar ways, surround yourself with those who yearn to do the same.In other words?Love and serve the Lord.Your God.