Perhaps, as soon as you want to confess, thoughts come to your mind about the priority of solving everyday problems or that you already visit the temple quite often. The sacrament of confession is repentance before God, so it should not be avoided.
Instructions
Step 1
It is advisable to come to church for confession at least in each of the four fasts. Moreover, during fasting not only the body is cleansed, but also the soul: a person refrains from irritation, foul language, intimacy, etc. During the fast, he thinks more about faith, which means that thoughts about his sins come into his head more often.
Step 2
Before going to church, read the appropriate prayers, for example, the prayer before the confession of the Reverend Simeon the New Theologian ("God and Lord of all!.."). Do not be late for the beginning of the Sacrament of Confession, find out in advance at what time and on what days it takes place in the temple where you want to go. Women should refrain from attending church confession during menstrual cleansing.
Step 3
In order not to forget your transgressions, write them down on a separate piece of paper. You can write and pronounce them both in one word ("swearing, commit adultery", "envied"), and in sentences. During confession, do not indulge in long discussions about the reason for the sins, it is enough to confess them. Try to repent of all your sins without leaving "next time." Repentance speaks of a desire to live in faith and not commit shameful acts again.
Step 4
Be sincere. If you justify yourself, then there is no repentance. It makes no sense to be ashamed of a clergyman, since you confess not to him, but to God. A clergyman becomes only a witness, but not an object of confession, as it happens when visiting psychologists or close people to whom you can tell something very intimate. For the same reason, it is advisable not to change the confessor unnecessarily.
Step 5
After confession, the priest says a prayer, and the penitent puts his lips to the cross and the Gospel. If you were preparing for the sacrament, ask your spiritual father for a blessing.
