Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. – James 5:16 NIV

As we come to the end of James’ letter, we find some instructions on prayer and some of James’ thoughts on its power. Within this section on prayer, James briefly notes an aspect of prayer that doesn’t get as much attention as it should in 21st century evangelical churches – the practice of confession.

For many of us, myself included, confessing our faults and wrongdoings to other people is very uncomfortable if not outright frightening. Many of us desire for other people to only see us in a positive light. There’s a fear that if we are honest with other people about our shortcomings that they won’t value, respect, or even love us anymore. Not to mention how difficult it is to be honest with ourselves about our mistakes – much less apologize to someone we’ve wronged.

Unfortunately, our fears surrounding confession blind us from its power – confession of sins to wise, trustworthy believers and prayers from them on our behalf is a means of healing. The truth is that our sins are a sort of spiritual disease – they sicken our spirits and keep us from wholeness and healthy lives in Christ. Despite Jesus’ generous and unrelenting grace and forgiveness that is always available to us, our own sinful thoughts and actions put a hand in Jesus’ face as if to say, “Don’t get too close!” while simultaneously believing there is nothing wrong with us. But confession of sins is the means by which we go to the spiritual doctor – it’s the first step in getting treatment so that we can live full and rich lives.

I became aware of the power of confession a number of years ago. Not long after I moved to Twin Falls, I sought a small group of wise and trustworthy men with whom I could meet on a weekly basis for support, encouragement, and yes, to provide a space where we could confess sins to each other and pray for one another. I do not exaggerate when I say it is one of the most important and impactful parts of my week. And now, having done this regularly for many years, not only do I feel the effects of God’s healing grace after each time we meet, I also see the long work of formation that God’s Spirit has done in my life. I am more fully who God made me to be now because of this regular practice. I certainly wouldn’t be who I am without it.

I encourage you to find wise, trustworthy people with whom you can be honest with about your faults and shortcomings. Create a space where others can be honest with you. Soak those times with prayer and encouragement for one another. It won’t take long before you experience the power and healing that God has available to you through this practice.