I usually find Psalm 95 to be a pretty good "ive done goofed" wake up call before I come to the Lord in prayer. "Unto whom i sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest" is enough to get me pleading the blood of Jesus.

The title of this video brought to mind the best-selling book by the late Robert Schuller called The Be Happy Attitudes, published in 1987. I watched him a few times and actually bought one of his books in a thrift store because he was so popular back in the day. What a surprise it was to read that he recommended the Heidelberg Catechism. He was a Calvinist! The Daily Examination of Conscience is a necessary part of the daily routine of any God-loving and God fearing person. How can one grow in grace without self-examination? How can one have humility and charity for God and fellow humans? This is a very necessary video. I wish it would get thousands of views and more ... and not just be viewed by the choir, either!

Very true about Catholics these days only rarely confessing to a priest. I'd say this is partly due to Catholic "synchretism". Ie, America is a very Protestant country, and so in my little Bible Belt Indiana town, our Catholic Church is basically a Baptist Church with robes and altars. Personally, I've found I live a better Christian life when going to daily Confession. I'm not too superstitious about it, tho, because a large chunk of that effect could probably be attributed to the basic psychology of "Gee, this sin sure does look tempting...but is it really worth getting on my knees tomorrow morning to confess this like a dunce?"

I was pleased to see in the new “Sacred Hours: The Lutheran Daily Office” an examination of conscience.

The Roman Church still makes use of private confession. In my experience, I've only encountered a general absolution once in all my years. However, the traditionalist groups (Ecclesia Dei Institutes as well as the SSPX) go to great pains to make confession available before every Mass and at times during Mass. They also follow the old rubrics for eucharist, as does the Ordinariate. Such is not the case in regular diocesan parishes. Typically, once a week, there is an hour set aside for the purpose. I went to the website of the Midwest Theological Forum and the pdf of the Manual of Prayers has a chapter devoted to making a good confession. This is true of the 8th edition. I was very interested in the various examens to be found in the works you discussed. Specifically attacking the problem from the point of view of the beatitudes is a notion I had not encountered. The trouble is I may find myself taking on the ballast of several prayer books. Well, if a ship is to ride through a storm ballast is needed.

Best thoughts on Confession I have to be in the Way of the Pilgrim (R. M. French translation) pages 144-152 summed by: 1) I do not love God, 2)I do not love my either, 3)I have no religious beliefs, 4)I am full of pride and full of sensual self-love.

13:00. What chapter of pilgrims progress does the big blue ox show up?