The Prayer of a Prodigal

I, A PRODIGAL, CONFESS THAT I HAVE SINNED, LORD.
FROM WHERE I FELL AND HAVE NOW BECOME WRETCHED,
I DARE NOT LIFT MY EYES TO GAZE AT HEAVEN!
I HAVE SINNED BEFORE HEAVEN AND BEFORE YOU;
I AM NO LONGER WORTHY TO BE CALLED YOUR SON.
I CONDEMN MYSELF, SEEKING NEITHER DEFENDERS NOR ACCUSERS,
BECAUSE MY VERY LIFE OF WRETCHEDNESS JUDGES ME,
MY NAKEDNESS CONFIRMS THE SHAME IN WHICH I AM CLOTHED!
TENDER-HEARTED FATHER, ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON AND HOLY SPIRIT,//
RECEIVE ME IN REPENTANCE AND HAVE MERCY ON ME!

I come to a prayer like this in the Lenten Triodion and I realize that I hardly know how to repent. I hardly know how to examine my own soul, perhaps because I, a man of unclearn lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips, tend to be too rationalistic so I find it difficult to follow the analogy into my own heart.

And yet, what could be more obvious than that I have fallen such a great distance, I have wandered so long a journey, I have sinned so deep a sin and am no longer worthy to be called a son of God.

And yet…