Confessions - Book V - Chapter I
St. Augustine emphasizes the power of heartfelt confession and praise as a means to draw near to God, acknowledging His omniscience and mercy.
In this devotional sermon, St. Augustine reflects on the nature of confession and praise as vital spiritual practices that draw believers closer to God. He highlights God's omniscience and mercy, emphasizing that no heart is hidden from Him. Augustine also explores how all creation participates in praising God and how true spiritual strength and refreshment are found in Him alone.
Text
1. Accept this sacrifice of my confessions from the hand of my tongue. Thou didst form it and hast prompted it to praise thy name. Heal all my bones and let them say, \"O Lord, who is like unto thee?\"[120] It is not that one who confesses to thee instructs thee as to what goes on within him. For the closed heart does not bar thy sight into it, nor does the hardness of our heart hold back thy hands, for thou canst soften it at will, either by mercy or in vengeance, \"and there is no one who can hide himself from thy heat.\"[121] But let my soul praise thee, that it may love thee, and let it confess thy mercies to thee, that it may praise thee. Thy whole creation praises thee without ceasing: the spirit of man, by his own lips, by his own voice, lifted up to thee; animals and lifeless matter by the mouths of those who meditate upon them. Thus our souls may climb out of their weariness toward thee and lean on those things which thou hast created and pass through them to thee, who didst create them in a marvelous way. With thee, there is refreshment and true strength.
Sermon Outline
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I. Offering Confession as a Sacrifice
- Confession as a spiritual sacrifice to God
- God’s role in prompting praise through the tongue
- The healing power of confession on the soul
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II. God’s Omniscience and Mercy
- God’s ability to see into the closed heart
- No one can hide from God’s presence
- God softens hearts by mercy or judgment
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III. The Role of Praise in Spiritual Renewal
- Praise as an expression of love for God
- Creation itself praises God continually
- The soul’s journey through creation to God
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IV. Finding Strength and Refreshment in God
- Leaning on God’s created works
- True strength comes from God alone
- Spiritual refreshment through communion with God
Key Quotes
“Accept this sacrifice of my confessions from the hand of my tongue.” — St. Augustine
“There is no one who can hide himself from thy heat.” — St. Augustine
“With thee, there is refreshment and true strength.” — St. Augustine
Application Points
- Approach God with honest confession as a form of spiritual sacrifice that heals and restores.
- Trust in God's all-seeing presence and His power to soften even the hardest hearts.
- Engage in regular praise to experience spiritual renewal and draw strength from God.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Augustine describe confession as a sacrifice?
He views confession as a spiritual offering that honors God and opens the heart to His healing and mercy.
How does God perceive the human heart according to Augustine?
God sees into the closed heart fully and can soften it by mercy or judgment; nothing is hidden from Him.
What role does praise play in the believer’s life?
Praise expresses love for God and helps the soul ascend from weariness toward divine strength and refreshment.
How does creation relate to praising God?
All creation praises God continuously, either directly or through those who meditate on it.
What is the ultimate source of strength according to this sermon?
True strength and refreshment come from God alone, who created all things marvelously.