To "confess our sins" means to agree with God, to have the same attitude toward our sin that God has.

 When we feel about our sins as God does and ask His forgiveness, God promises to forgive our sin.

 God can justly do this because Jesus paid for our sin with His own blood shed on the cross.

 God not only forgives but also "cleanses us." This deals with the cause of our sin through the blood of Jesus.  He cleanses us from all sins, restoring us to full fellowship with Himself.

Lord, I agree with You concerning my sin.  Please forgive me and cleanse my heart from all sin.  I turn from my sin to Your way of living. Thank You for forgiving me through the blood of Your Son, Jesus.  Thank You for cleansing me from all unrighteousness.  I desire and enter full fellowship with You.  Amen.