The first confession is often frightening. A person does not know what to say, does not know where to start, is afraid of the priest and is afraid that they will think badly of him. It's good that you're thinking about confession. Try to participate in this ordinance as soon as possible. How to confess for the first time? Your fears are normal, and as time goes by, it will become easier for you to talk about your sins.
About the frequency of the sacrament
Of course, it's good if a person takes communion after confession. But it is not always possible to fully prepare. That is why people put off the first confession. Is it possible to confess without sacrament? Yes, moreover, it is necessary to resort to the first of the sacraments as often as possible. Frequent communion in the Russian Orthodox Church is not accepted for the laity. They are usually advised to approach the bowl once every two to three weeks. But even less than once a month, communion is not recommended, since a person without this sacrament seems to fall out of church life. So, there is no need to be afraid to confess, knowing that you are not yet ready for communion. You can repent in the church at least every day.
At the call of conscience
How to confess for the first time? Each person knows his actions, which he regrets to a greater or lesser extent. Usually conscience does not in vain accuse us. Therefore, when you come to confession for the first time, you should tell about the sick person and about everything that seems wrong to you in your behavior. You will come to full-fledged preparation from books later. To begin with, just overcome fear and repent to God in the presence of the priest.
Only about myself
How to confess in church and when? Your task is to say what exactly you did wrong, not your relatives or offenders. The desire to justify oneself is a natural aspiration of a person, but during repentance your task is not to impress the priest, but to reconcile with God. By the way, about the impression: if you think that a priest can be surprised, then you are greatly mistaken. He is more likely to act sympathetically or dispassionately. He is only a witness to the repentance that the invisibly present Christ accepts. This is stated in the prayer that the priest reads before the service. When can you confess? Usually in the evening it is proposed to repent after the evening service, sometimes at the same time. In the morning, confession begins before the service or also takes place at the same time. Usually, a timetable is posted near the temples. Monasteries often have priests on duty who can confess at unusual times.
Common sins
How to confess for the first time? In order not to forget something important, you can do as experienced believers do - write a list of sins. In pre-revolutionary times, people came to the temple as a child and were not afraid of the priest. Now people come to God already at a conscious age, so it would be useful to repent that they did not go to church before. Tell the priest that this is your first confession. Do not try to say that you are sinful in everything - this is not repentance, but an evasion of responsibility. There are no sinless people either. Almost everyone who comes to church, for example, has the experience of reading horoscopes with curiosity. Too many people gossip, judge and lie regularly. Therefore, you will have something to say. Do not wait for questions, tell yourself. If necessary, the priest will ask.
How to confess for the first time? Mentally ask God for help and repent sincerely. The Lord has the power to forgive everything. After the first confession, agree on the time of the big (general confession) - for the rest of your life, with the help of special books.
