MARTIN L. SMITH is an Episcopal priest and the author of The Word Is Very Near You.

In this brief volume, Martin Smith . . . presents a practical guide to those who are preparing for their initial sacramental confession. The book does two things. It sketches a road map of the process of confession and it provides some excellent exercises for self-examination that may be used in the weeks prior to one’s confession. . . .“The strength of this book is that it remains true to its aim and focus. It provides a clear guide to confession that would be a valuable resource in preparing parishioners for confession. Smith”s work is undergirded with sound theology, a clear understanding of what one experiences in sacramental confession, and an awareness of the complexity and seduction of human rationalization and the cleansing, convicting activity of the Holy Spirit. As a Lenten study, this volume could be useful in preparing priest and people for Pre-Easter sacramental confession.

• Chapter 1 The Power to ForgiveChapter 2 The Sacrament of ReconciliationChapter 3 Understanding ConversionChapter 4 Preparing Your First ConfessionChapter 5 Making Your First ConfessionPart 6 Appendix AChapter 7 Some Guidelines for Meditation on Scripture PassagesPart 8 Appendix BChapter 9 A Brief History of the Rite of Reconciliation

MARTIN L. SMITH is an Episcopal priest and the author of The Word Is Very Near You.

In this brief volume, Martin Smith . . . presents a practical guide to those who are preparing for their initial sacramental confession. The book does two things. It sketches a road map of the process of confession and it provides some excellent exercises for self-examination that may be used in the weeks prior to one’s confession. . . .“The strength of this book is that it remains true to its aim and focus. It provides a clear guide to confession that would be a valuable resource in preparing parishioners for confession. Smith”s work is undergirded with sound theology, a clear understanding of what one experiences in sacramental confession, and an awareness of the complexity and seduction of human rationalization and the cleansing, convicting activity of the Holy Spirit. As a Lenten study, this volume could be useful in preparing priest and people for Pre-Easter sacramental confession.

• Chapter 1 The Power to ForgiveChapter 2 The Sacrament of ReconciliationChapter 3 Understanding ConversionChapter 4 Preparing Your First ConfessionChapter 5 Making Your First ConfessionPart 6 Appendix AChapter 7 Some Guidelines for Meditation on Scripture PassagesPart 8 Appendix BChapter 9 A Brief History of the Rite of Reconciliation

MARTIN L. SMITH is an Episcopal priest and the author of The Word Is Very Near You.

In this brief volume, Martin Smith . . . presents a practical guide to those who are preparing for their initial sacramental confession. The book does two things. It sketches a road map of the process of confession and it provides some excellent exercises for self-examination that may be used in the weeks prior to one’s confession. . . .“The strength of this book is that it remains true to its aim and focus. It provides a clear guide to confession that would be a valuable resource in preparing parishioners for confession. Smith”s work is undergirded with sound theology, a clear understanding of what one experiences in sacramental confession, and an awareness of the complexity and seduction of human rationalization and the cleansing, convicting activity of the Holy Spirit. As a Lenten study, this volume could be useful in preparing priest and people for Pre-Easter sacramental confession.

• Chapter 1 The Power to ForgiveChapter 2 The Sacrament of ReconciliationChapter 3 Understanding ConversionChapter 4 Preparing Your First ConfessionChapter 5 Making Your First ConfessionPart 6 Appendix AChapter 7 Some Guidelines for Meditation on Scripture PassagesPart 8 Appendix BChapter 9 A Brief History of the Rite of Reconciliation