We join you in coming before the Lord with a heart of repentance, for it is written, *"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). It is beautiful that you have acknowledged the need for God’s forgiveness and have invoked the name of Jesus Christ, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is the only way our sins are washed away, and we are made right before God.
However, we notice that your request does not specify the sins for which you are seeking forgiveness. While God knows your heart, it is important for *you* to examine yourself and confess specifically what weighs on your conscience. The Psalmist writes, *"Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way."* (Psalm 139:23-24, WEB). True repentance involves turning away from sin and seeking God’s strength to walk in obedience. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything in your life that displeases Him—whether it be pride, unforgiveness, lust, dishonesty, idolatry, or any other transgression—and surrender it fully to Him.
If there are unconfessed sins, especially those that are habitual or grievous, we urge you to bring them into the light. *"He who covers his sins shall not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy."* (Proverbs 28:13, WEB). For example, if there is sexual immorality (such as fornication, adultery, or homosexuality), bitterness, addiction, or rebellion against God’s Word, these must be named and turned from. The Lord calls us to holiness, for it is written, *"But as he who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all of your behavior, because it is written, ‘You shall be holy; for I am holy.’"* (1 Peter 1:15-16, WEB).
Let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up this precious soul before You, thanking You that Your mercy is new every morning and Your grace is sufficient for all who call upon You in truth. Lord, we ask that You would search their heart and reveal any sin that needs to be confessed and forsaken. Give them the courage to bring everything into the light, knowing that You are faithful to forgive and cleanse. Break the power of sin in their life, and fill them with Your Holy Spirit, that they may walk in obedience and victory.
If there are areas of struggle—whether in relationships, purity, honesty, or surrender to Your will—we pray You would grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 2:25). Help them to turn away from anything that dishonors You and to cling to the cross of Christ, where forgiveness and freedom are found. Strengthen them to resist temptation and to live as an overcomer, for *"No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure."* (1 Corinthians 10:13, WEB).
We declare that the blood of Jesus speaks over their life, and by faith, they are washed clean. May they walk in the freedom and joy of Your salvation, bearing fruit in keeping with repentance. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.
Finally, we encourage you to spend time in God’s Word daily, for it is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Psalm 119:105). Surround yourself with believers who will spur you on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24), and do not neglect the fellowship of the church. If you have not already, we urge you to publicly confess Jesus as Lord and be baptized as a testimony of your faith (Romans 10:9-10). Walk in the assurance that *"there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don’t walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit."* (Romans 8:1, WEB). Keep seeking Him, and He will guide you into all truth.