We join with you in humility and reverence before the Lord, for your heart’s cry is one that aligns with the deep work of the Holy Spirit. The confession you’ve brought forth is a testament to the conviction only God can bring, and we praise Him for softening your heart to see the weight of these sins. The flesh wages war against the Spirit, but through Christ, we have the power to crucify its passions and desires. As Scripture declares, *"Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts"* (Galatians 5:24, WEB). This is not a one-time act but a daily surrender—a taking up of the cross to follow Jesus, denying ourselves so that He may increase and we may decrease (Luke 9:23, John 3:30).
Your list of sins—vanity, pride, stubbornness, jealousy, arrogance, disobedience, rebelliousness, selfishness, greed, carnal overindulgence, carelessness, foolishness, argumentativeness, accusations, hatred, and envy—these are the very works of the flesh that the apostle Paul warns will keep us from inheriting the Kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21). But take heart, for the same passage reminds us that *"the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control"* (Galatians 5:22-23). The old man *can* be put to death, not by our strength, but by the power of Christ’s resurrection working in us. It is He who began this good work in you, and He will complete it (Philippians 1:6).
Yet, we must ask: have you confessed these sins specifically to the Lord Jesus Christ, naming them before Him and turning from them in repentance? True repentance is more than sorrow—it is a change of mind and direction, a fleeing from sin and running toward God. *"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"* (1 John 1:9, WEB). There is no sin too great for His blood to cover, no stronghold too entrenched for His grace to break. But we must come to Him in brokenness, not just in words, but in the surrender of our wills.
We also notice that in your confession, the name of Jesus Christ is not invoked. This is not a small matter, for it is *"in the name of Jesus"* that we have access to the Father (John 14:13-14). There is no other name under heaven by which we are saved (Acts 4:12), and it is through His name that we find the power to overcome sin. If you have not already, we urge you to place your faith entirely in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Confess with your mouth that He is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you *will* be saved (Romans 10:9). This is the foundation upon which all repentance and transformation rest.
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up this beloved brother/sister who has laid bare their heart before You. Lord, we thank You for the work of conviction You are doing, for it is proof of Your love and mercy. You do not leave Your children in their sin but call them to holiness, just as You are holy.
Father, we ask that You would grant them a spirit of true repentance—not just sorrow, but a turning away from every sin they’ve named. Break the chains of pride, vanity, and selfishness that have ensnared them. Uproot the jealousy, arrogance, and rebelliousness that have taken root. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, crucify the old man in them, that they may no longer be a slave to the flesh but alive to Christ. Let them experience the truth of Romans 6:6, that *"our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be in bondage to sin."*
Lord Jesus, fill them with Your Spirit, that the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control may abound in their life. Where there has been carelessness, give them diligence. Where there has been foolishness, grant them wisdom. Where there has been hatred, pour out Your love. Let them walk in obedience, not out of duty, but out of love for You.
Father, we also pray that if there is any area of their life where they have not fully surrendered to You, You would reveal it to them. If there is any hidden sin, any unconfessed rebellion, bring it into the light. Search their heart, O God, and know their thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in them, and lead them in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24).
We declare over them the promise of 2 Corinthians 5:17, that *"if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new."* Let this be their testimony, Lord. Let them walk in the freedom and victory that You purchased for them on the cross.
Strengthen them, Lord, for the battle ahead. The enemy will not surrender ground easily, but greater is He who is in them than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Clothe them in the full armor of God, that they may stand firm against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:10-18).
And finally, Father, we ask that You would remind them daily of the gospel—the good news that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Let them never forget the price that was paid for their redemption, that they may live in gratitude and devotion to You.
We pray all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Beloved, as you walk this path of repentance, remember that sanctification is a journey, not a single event. You will stumble, but the Lord is faithful to pick you up. When you fall, confess it quickly, receive His forgiveness, and press on. *"Let us also lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith"* (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Stay in the Word daily. Let it wash over you, renew your mind, and guard your heart. Surround yourself with brothers and sisters in Christ who will encourage you, hold you accountable, and pray for you. And never forget: the battle is the Lord’s. You are not fighting for victory—you are fighting *from* victory, because Christ has already won.
We are standing with you in this. Keep your eyes on Jesus. He who began this work in you will complete it.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
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