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Repentance

Bible Verses for Confession and Repentance

Read these passages before meeting with a priest or during nightly examen at the icon corner. Each verse pairs with prayers and journaling cues available in AthonApp.

  1. #1 — Psalm 50(51):1-4

    “Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to Your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.”

    The core psalm of repentance, prayed at nearly every Orthodox service.

  2. #2 — Isaiah 1:18

    “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”

  3. #3 — Joel 2:13

    “Rend your hearts and not your garments; return to the Lord your God.”

  4. #4 — Luke 15:17-20

    “When he came to himself… “I will arise and go to my father.””

  5. #5 — James 5:16

    “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”

  6. #6 — 1 John 1:9

    “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

After each verse, pray the Jesus Prayer three times while inhaling “Lord Jesus Christ” and exhaling “have mercy on me.”

Liturgical connection: Ideal for parish Lenten retreats, pre-confession catechesis, or daily repentance challenges.

Application Ideas

  • Print pocket cards with Psalm 50 and Isaiah 1 for catechumens preparing for their first confession.
  • Schedule AthonApp prompts for nightly examen using these verses.
  • Encourage families to recite Joel 2 before Forgiveness Vespers.