Classic Penitential Prayer (Lutheran) — Prayer · jesusTALK

Original Prayer

Almighty God, merciful Father,

I, a poor, wretched, sinful person, confess to you all my sins and transgressions,

by which I have ever provoked you and deserved your punishment.

I am heartily sorry for them, and I beg you in your great mercy

and for the sake of the innocent and bitter suffering and death of your beloved Son Jesus Christ,

be gracious and merciful to me, a poor sinner,

forgive me all my sins, and by the power of your Holy Spirit renew and strengthen me.

Amen.

Context (Old Covenant)

Lutheran prayer of confession (16th century). Formulated after the Reformation, but still uses Old Covenant language ("poor sinner"). Needs adjustment.

What it teaches

Sincerity; repentance; reconciliation; responsibility.

Realization in the New Covenant

This Lutheran penitential prayer (16th century) is full of Old Covenant thinking:

›"I, poor, miserable sinner", In the New Covenant you are NOT a "poor sinner." You are a new creation (2Cor 5:17), made righteous (Rom 5:1)
›"Forgive me all my sins", Forgiveness is already accomplished, once for all (Heb 10:10-14; Joh 19:30)
›"Improve and strengthen me", You don't need to "improve" to please God. You ARE already accepted.
›The prayer speaks from lack and unworthiness. The New Covenant speaks from fullness and sonship.
›Sin in the New Covenant: Not a list of deeds, but separation, and that was healed at the cross.

Prayer in the New Covenant

Father, thank you that I am forgiven in Christ, once and for all. I agree with you: That was not from your truth. I let it go and receive renewal of mind. The cross is finished, forgiveness stands firm. I am not a wretched creature, I am your child, a new creation in Christ. Amen.