Furthermore…

Two sided confessional.

One side labeled MORTAL, the other VENIAL.

While saying the Apostles Creed, it occurred to me that it is not directly addressed to God, but rather is sort of a statement, to oneself or anyone who might be listening, of the articles of faith to which you subscribe. The ACTS formula that we were taught which sets forth the different kinds of prayer — adoration, contrition, thanksgiving and supplication — gives the common ways that we lift our minds and hearts to God, but seems not to include recitations of the components of belief. The recitation of the creed might be called a prayer of assent, after the term of John Henry Cardinal Newman, or a prayer of profession. It solidifies, clarifies and renews one’s faith.