Sundown on Saturday, September 21, begins the Jewish custom of Selichot, communal prayers for Divine forgiveness, said during the High Holiday season or on Jewish fast days.
The word, Selichot (Hebrew: סליחות) means ‘sorry/forgiveness prayers’. Selichot are recited from the Sunday before the Jewish New Year until the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). Selichot are aimed for both the individual and communities to atone their sins between man and God. They are intended for Jews to reflect on their actions of the past year and to refrain from committing the same sins in the next New Year.
Christians believe that all our sins were forgiven when we accepted Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. And while this is true, scripture seems to indicate that continued confession is to our benefit.
But if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right [he is faithful and righteous/just; Deut. 32:4]. He will cleanse [purify] us from all ·the wrongs we have done [unrighteousness].
I John 1: 9 EXB (The Expanded Bible)
As debris clouds the water in a crystal vase, so can sins (both of omission and commission) keep the light of hope from shining clearly through. Keeping short accounts with God, staying clean, keeps that light alive.
This song is a beautiful prayer for forgiveness. Because we all go astray.