by J.H. Garrison
March-April, 2007

J.H. Garrison wrote a little-known classic devotional guide. Today’s Lent reflection comes from this book. Our gratitude to Leafwood Publishers and Gary Holloway, who edited this book, for this excerpt.

Garrison’s book includes some really cool prayers for different occasions. Granted, this is also done in the Episcopal “Book of Common Prayer” and this is not unique, but for those of us who struggle with words in prayer and need helpful guides and ideas for blessings and words to pray, this is a welcome prayer for those in school (if not a little dated, but that adds to its charm and unique voice for us today).

Confession of Sin

At the close of this day, O heavenly Father, I confess my sins, my imperfections, and infirmities. I have sinned in thought, in speech, in act. (Specify them.) I am not worthy to be called your son. If you, Lord, should be extreme to mark what I have done amiss, I could not abide it. But have mercy upon me according to your loving kindness. Cast me not away from your presence. Take not your Holy Spirit from me; but grant that by his holy inspiration I may think and speak those things that are good; and by your grace perform the same this day and all the days of my life; through Jesus Christ. Amen!