Step Five of the 12 Steps invites us to admit to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

This may be one of the hardest invitations of the journey. It’s tempting to think: Can’t I just admit my sins to God? Isn’t that enough? But Scripture reminds us that healing happens in community.

James 5:16 says: “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”

And Proverbs 28:13 tells us: “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

Confession isn’t about punishment — it’s about grace. And there is something deeply healing that happens when we bring our hidden struggles into the light with the witness of another person who can remind us of God’s mercy.

In today’s meditation, we’ll step into the story of the prodigal son from Luke 15:17–24. We’ll imagine what it feels like to come home after making a wreck of our lives, and to be embraced by a Father who runs toward us with compassion and joy.

This meditation is an invitation to pause with God and ask:

• What am I keeping hidden?
• What holds me back from confession?
• Who might be a trustworthy person I can talk with?

Most of all, it’s a reminder that God already knows the whole story — and He is eager to meet us with mercy. When we finally come home, we discover grace waiting for us.

Take a deep breath, settle in, and let’s step into this meditation together.

Helpful Links:
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• All the Scriptures for this series
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Meditation Scripture: Luke 15:17–24 (NLT)

17 “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19 and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’

20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.

21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’

22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’”

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