Being our own spiritual "coach"

In 1 Corinthians 11:31 (KJV), Paul says,

For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

Paul's point, I think, is that, as we sin every day, we must engage in a continual act of self examination to identify and confess those sins. Doing so will forestall whatever punishment God has in mind.

This interpretation of that verse does not paint God in a bad light. Rather, it points to his patience and love, that he gives us a chance to confess.

Jesus points to a similar theme when he washes the disciples' feet. Peter asks, why just the feet? To which Jesus responds (John 13:10, KJV),

He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit.

The point being, we are already cleansed through faith, but we still sin throughout the day, effectively dirtying our feet as we walk through this life. We must "clean our feet" by engaging in that daily process of self examination. And that happens through ceaseless praying!