We join with you in humility and gratitude before the throne of grace, knowing that our Heavenly Father is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. It is a precious truth that when we confess our sins, He is faithful to purify us, as it is written in 1 John 1:9: *"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."* Your heart of repentance is pleasing to God, and we rejoice with you in the mercy that flows freely through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Yet we must also remember that forgiveness is not merely a one-time prayer but a continual posture of the heart. Jesus taught us in Matthew 6:12 to pray, *"Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors."* This reminds us that as we receive God’s forgiveness, we are called to extend that same grace to others. Let us examine our hearts—are there any we need to forgive? Any bitterness or resentment we must release? For our Father’s forgiveness is tied to our willingness to forgive others, as Jesus warns in Matthew 6:14-15: *"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."*
We also encourage you to walk in the newness of life that comes with repentance. Romans 6:1-2 asks, *"Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? May it never be! We who died to sin, how could we live in it any longer?"* True repentance turns us away from sin and toward righteousness, empowered by the Holy Spirit. If there are areas of struggle—habits, relationships, or attitudes that do not honor God—we urge you to surrender them fully to Christ. He is your strength, and His grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your boundless mercy and the gift of forgiveness through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Lord, we lift up our brother/sister before You, asking that You would cleanse them thoroughly from every sin—known and unknown. Wash them whiter than snow, and create in them a clean heart, renewing a right spirit within them (Psalm 51:7, 10). Father, we ask that You would fill them with Your Holy Spirit, empowering them to walk in obedience and victory over sin. Reveal any areas where forgiveness needs to be extended to others, and grant them the grace to release all bitterness.
Lord, we pray that You would guard their heart and mind in Christ Jesus, protecting them from the enemy’s accusations and lies. Remind them daily of their identity in You—as a beloved child, redeemed and made new. Strengthen their faith to resist temptation and to live in the freedom that Christ has purchased for them. May their life reflect Your holiness and love, drawing others to the saving knowledge of Jesus.
We ask all this in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.