Moving toward God through intentional practice

The practices we keep in life shape and form us along the way. Being intentional about those practices allows us to hold agency over who we’re becoming. Without intentionality, we simply drift in whatever direction the winds of our world want to take us. We’re choosing to engage in spiritual practices that enable us to be and become the men, women and children God designed us to be. 

Spiritual practices are:

“Habits, practices, and experiences that are designed to develop, grow, and strengthen certain qualities of spirit - to build the “muscles” of one’s character and expand the breadth of one’s inner life. They structure the “workouts” which train the soul.” 

~ Richard Foster

Every other month, we’ll focus on one spiritual practice intended to shape and form us in God’s image …

Confession

May/June 2026

Confession. That’s a scary word! New Testament contributor James says “confess your sins to one another…” That sounds even scarier, doesn’t it? While it may sound scary, confession can be a powerful key to lightening our loads and unlocking freedom in our lives. 

Confession is the act of verbalizing barriers (sins) & burdens (things that weigh us down) to another person(s). It invites brothers and sisters to show us God’s grace and mercy, and to help us remove those barriers or lift those burdens. It serves as a means of inviting God to have greater control in those parts of our lives.

Confession is and has always been an essential ingredient to a life well-lived with God. Confession was there when John the Baptist began his work of turning Israel back toward God. It was there when Jesus invited people to give up their old ways and follow him. It was present in the early church when scores of people came to faith and wanted to walk the path of God. Confession is a valuable habit for anyone today wanting to be free and grow closer to God.

We welcome you to join the Charlottesville Vineyard Church family in practicing confession with one another through the months of May and June.

Practice 

  1. Ask God to show you what stands as a barrier or burden between you and Him

  2. Ask yourself: Do I desire to remove barriers/burdens and grow closer to God? 

    If not, that’s where your confession begins. Consider praying a prayer like: “God, I don’t feel a longing to be closer to you… will you help me with that?” or “God, I don’t really want to give up this sin in my life… will you give me a desire to do so?” If so…

  3. Confess. Tell someone about the barrier or burden standing between you & God.

    Who to tell? Another mature believer. Someone who is for you - in your corner. Someone who wants you to grow closer to God and experience more freedom in life. Someone who is not prone to gossip. If you do this in your small group, consider breaking into pairs or triads.

    What is their job? Support you… to show you the grace and mercy of God… to follow up with you to see how it’s going.

  4. Take action to remove the barrier or lift the burden. 

    Different for each, depending on the barrier/burden. This is where the friend can be helpful - they might have some ideas… they may even be able to help remove the barrier or lift the burden with you.

Tell your story - don’t forget to tell others about how it’s going.