Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long.
For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. (Selah)
Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord," and you forgave the guilt of my sin. (Selah)
Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them.
You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. (Selah)
I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you.
Many are the torments of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.
Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

When I was in seminary (United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio) I served as a "student associate pastor" with a congregation. As a "student associate" I worked about 20 hours a week, mainly with the youth of the church. One day, however, I was with some young adults. After our outing I was returning in my car to the church with one woman who was married with a young child. During our ride she shared some of her personal information about her life before marriage that was troubling her. I don't remember what I said. I did think, however, "I didn't need to know that information!" Later, I shared this thought with the senior pastor. His reply, "No, but she needed to share it." That was my first time of having the humbling privilege of "receiving someone's confession."

I believe that was this woman's way of acknowledging her sin to the Lord and having God forgive her guilt. I trust she felt that sense of forgiveness through God, even though I don't think I said anything. Isn't that what Lent is about? We are to acknowledge that we do sin when we do things that harm our relationship with God, with others. And God forgives us! Thank you, God.