Smith gives the theological and spiritual background of the sacrament of reconciliation in the Book of Common Prayer, and offers practical suggestions for the practice of hearing and making a confession.
MARTIN L. SMITH is an Episcopal priest and the author of The Word Is Very Near You.
Chapter 1 The Power to Forgive Chapter 2 The Sacrament of Reconciliation Chapter 3 Understanding Conversion Chapter 4 Preparing Your First Confession Chapter 5 Making Your First Confession Part 6 Appendix A Chapter 7 Some Guidelines for Meditation on Scripture Passages Part 8 Appendix B Chapter 9 A Brief History of the Rite of Reconciliation
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. -- Peter B. Stube * Virginia Seminary Journal * Martin Smith . . . has written a theologically sensitive and personally insightful book addressed primarily to those who wish to make use of this new rite (in either of its two forms) and who desire to 'receive the forgiveness of God-not just as a general truth or a vague promise, but personally, immediately, in actual experience' (p.1). His aim, then, is to assist the penitent in preparing for his or her first sacramental confession. It is surely also a valuable guide for those who regularly or on occasion hear confessions as well as for those who regularly or on occasion make their confessions. For each of these, the book is a rich resource, one that leads the reader into a deeper understanding of the theology of reconciliation and of the nature of God's forgiving love. . . . "Two appendices . . . are useful additions to Smith's timely and discerning book. It is a book that provides a rich resource for the deepening of one's understanding of Christian faith and life. -- Donald F. Winslow, Episcopal Divinity School
