Personal Preparation for Holy Confession

1) Set aside quiet time for serious self-examination.
2) Write things down and bring the list to Confession: it will help you gain perspective, identify patterns, and relieve the pressure of trying to remember.

In the strictest sense, we don’t break the Ten Commandments so it’s easy to think we get through most days sin-free.  But what about our thoughts, words, and deeds?  While we may observe the letter of the law, we break the spirit of the law every day.  In preparing for Confession, consider questions like these:

I am the Lord your God. You shall have no other gods before Me.
Is God first in my life?
Do I pray every day?
Do I love anyone or anything more than Him?
Do I fear anyone or anything more than Him?

You shall not make unto yourself any graven image.
Do I trust teachers, coaches, bosses more than God?
Do I idolize athletes, musicians, social media personalities?
Do I wear particular clothes, or try to join certain clubs, or seek status more than I love God?

You shall not take the Name of the Lord your God in vain.
Do I wish for bad things to happen to other people?
Do I swear, curse, or use profane language?
Do I read horoscopes?
Do I occupy my time with things that glorify evil?

Remember the Lord’s Day and keep it Holy.
Do I consider church services and events at least as important, if not more, than clubs, sports, and other social activities?
Do I make a regular effort to attend church services?
Do I properly prepare for and partake of Holy Communion often?
Do I criticize the Orthodox Church doctrine, administration, clergy, either national or local?
Do I criticize non-Orthodox Christians?

Honor your father and mother.
Do I pray for my parents/guardians?
Do I provide time and assistance for my parents/guardians?
Do I resent or disobey my parents/guardians?
Do I ask forgiveness for my parents/guardians?

You shall not murder/kill.
Do I provoke others in order to physically fight/injure them?
Do I intentionally tease or hurt others’ feelings?
Do I wish and/or inflict physical harm or suffering on myself or others?
Do I watch or listen to media that features violence, abuse, hatred?
Do I abuse/alter my body with chemicals, diets, extreme physical activity, surgery, piercings, tattoos?
Do I contemplate St. Paul’s expression that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit?
Do I harm/abuse/torture animals?

You shall not commit adultery.
Am I sexually active with anyone besides my spouse as blessed by the Church?
Do I fantasize about sex?  Do I use resources to encourage it (Internet, etc.)?
Do I talk suggestively with anyone and/or listen to or tell obscene stories/jokes?

You shall not steal.
Do I take credit for someone else’s work?
Do I waste time for which I’m being paid to produce?
Do I take things from others, even to return later, simply for my own convenience?
Do I offer back to God in acknowledgement that everything is from Him?

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
Do I spread or listen to gossip?
Do I judge others?  Do I do it simply based on assumptions?
Do I make up excuses to avoid doing things for others?
Do I hold grudges against others?
Do I lie to provoke or mislead others?

You shall not covet.
Do I envy others for their possessions, opportunities, lifestyles, etc.?
Do I resent when others receive admiration, respect, approval, etc.?
Do I manipulate others to get something they have?
Am I content and thankful for the gifts God has given me?
Do I offer my time, talents, and treasures to help my church and others?

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