Whether it is mandatory to confess sins to the clergy is the topic, today. Also, there is more on outgrowing childhood prayers. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Donald” (Level 6 with 12,780 points, a member since May 12, 2009) posted the following:
If its mandatory to confess our sins to a Catholic Priest, is it a sin if we confess our sins to God only?
Why would we need to bypass God to please the Catholic Church?
THE BATTLE AXE: Outgrowing Childhood Prayers? (04/07/2013)—We of the church must first triumph in relationship to GOD as our Father through Jesus Christ, within our hearts and thoughts, rather than in society and in the streets. For both children and mature Christian believers, where all that is spoken in prayer can be accounted as truth, prayer is equal to praise and testimony in judgment. Even so, the most important aspect of prayer is often nonverbal, and is not a matter of the words we speak. Thus, instead of exaggerations, flattery, and guile, attitudes of humility and respect ensure our access to GOD. Included are allowing our thoughts to be directed by sacred truth, bowing, genuflecting, folding our hands together to hold them back from sin, and waiting in silence. (See Romans 8: 26-27, KJV.) Privately speaking in tongues has importance and value for ones personal growth in the Spirit that can be recognized and understood by all within the church. However, speaking the truth with understanding, and prophecy are more necessary for growth and order within any assembly. (See 1st Corinthians 14: 1-5, KJV.) Many believers deliberately speak using prayers recorded in the Bible, and language from the holy writings. Christian adults also accept that intent and purpose are aspects of prayer. As a result, while we strive to be open, honest and thorough in prayer, confessing our faults and needs, believers respectfully leave many things unsaid. Included are complaints, condemnation of others, defiance, insults, and requests for permission to violate divine law and sacred order. (See Hebrews 4: 12 , Daniel 9: 3-22, Matthew 6: 9-15 and Luke 11: 1-4, KJV.) We receive opportunities for prayer as a gift; however, they are also aspects of duty—things that must be done (like it, don’t like it) despite every difficulty, inconvenience, and sacrifice that may be required. Just as parents are to guide their children in the things from GOD for life and love, it is also the duty of children to refresh, and share with their parents from the fountain of GOD’s spirit that our children receive.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: So Joshua rose up early in the morning, and brought Israel by their tribes; and the tribe of Judah was taken: And he brought the family of Judah; and he took the family of the Zarhites: and he brought the family of the Zarhites man by man; and Zabdi was taken: And he brought his household man by man; and Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was taken. And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me. And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done: When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it. (Joshua 7: 16-21, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why Confess Before Priest (02/27/2012); GOD Was Sorry? (02/28/2012); Girdle 4: The Sin of Achan (11/19/2011); Binder 27: Confession (10/24/2011); Dispatch 46: Effectual Fervent Prayer (09/25/2011); Confess? Yes! (02/20/2011); “Subtle” (02/21/2011); Why Confess? (12/16/2010); Mercy is Just? (12/17/2010)
Donald, where you will first show respect to GOD in prayer, the following points should have great clarity:
(1.) Pastors, priests, deacons, elders, and other clergy are to be respected as spiritually anointed and experienced agents or spokespersons that make GOD present and visible in the reality of believers.
(2.) As with chastisement and punishment a child receives from their parents in the home, the effectiveness of confession as a process to gain cleansing, peace of mind, and spiritual strength comes only by agreement, covenant, obedience, and willing submission.
(3.) Many are disheartened by their continuing need for spiritual increase and power, for it usually appears as confusion, infirmity, unbelief and weakness. Those appointed as intercessors and mediators in the church also are in the same condition; and, therefore, are fit to stand on our behalf, and with us as companions.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) The demands upon the congregation are binding, and mandatory upon believers through faith and trust toward GOD. In most instances, the order and structure in place have been experimentally and experientially tested for hundreds of years, and through thousands of lives. Outcomes and results have been approved because they have provided true sacred benefit.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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