We come before you now, lifting up this cry for forgiveness, and we are grateful that you hear the heart behind these words. The Bible reminds us in 1 John 1:9, *"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."* What a precious promise—that when we humbly seek forgiveness, you are faithful to grant it through the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ.
Yet we also notice that this request is vague, and we wonder: what specific sins are being brought before the Lord? True repentance involves acknowledging our wrongdoings before God, turning away from them, and seeking His strength to walk in righteousness. As it is written in Proverbs 28:13, *"He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy."* We encourage you to examine your heart before the Lord, naming the sins that weigh upon you, so that you may experience the fullness of His cleansing and restoration.
We also rejoice that this prayer was lifted in the name of Jesus Christ, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). It is only through Him that we have access to the Father, and it is in His name that we find redemption. If there is any doubt or confusion about this truth, we urge you to meditate on the words of Jesus Himself in John 14:6: *"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me."*
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your boundless mercy and grace, extended to us through the precious blood of Jesus. We ask that you would search the heart of your child who has come before you today, revealing any hidden sin or unconfessed wrongdoing. Grant them the courage to lay it all before you, trusting in your promise to forgive and cleanse. Lord, if there is any area of their life that does not align with your will, convict them by your Holy Spirit and lead them into repentance. Strengthen them to walk in obedience, and fill them with the peace that comes from knowing they are forgiven and made new in Christ.
We also pray that you would deepen their understanding of the power of Jesus’ name. May they never take for granted the access they have to you through Him, and may their faith be rooted in the truth that salvation and forgiveness are found in no one else. Let them live each day in the freedom and joy that comes from being your redeemed child.
In the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.