We join together in lifting you up before the Lord, grateful that you have come with a heart seeking forgiveness. The Scripture assures 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."* This is a promise we can cling to with confidence, knowing that God’s mercy is boundless for those who turn to Him in repentance.
Yet, we must also remember that forgiveness is not a casual or repetitive ritual but a sincere turning away from sin and toward God’s will. Jesus Himself warned in Matthew 6:7, *"In praying, don’t use vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking."* True repentance involves a heartfelt change, not just words. If there are specific sins weighing on your heart—whether it be pride, dishonesty, lust, unforgiveness, or any other transgression—we encourage you to name them before the Lord, asking Him to cleanse and renew you. Psalm 139:23-24 declares, *"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."*
We also notice that while you invoked the name of Jesus Christ, there is a tendency in your request to address the prayer to "Heavenly father" without fully centering it on Christ, who is our only mediator and advocate before God. The Bible is clear in Acts 4:12: *"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* And in 1 Timothy 2:5, we read, *"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."* Let us always come boldly to the throne of grace *through Jesus alone*, for He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Without Him, we have no access to the Father.
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your unfailing love and mercy. We lift up this precious soul before You, asking that You would grant them true repentance—a broken and contrite heart that turns away from sin and clings to the righteousness found only in Christ. Lord, if there are sins they have not named or areas of their life not fully surrendered to You, we ask that Your Holy Spirit would convict and lead them into all truth. Wash them clean by the blood of Jesus, and fill them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding.
We rebuke any spirit of casualness or repetition in prayer, and we declare that this request is heard not by empty words but by a heart that seeks You earnestly. Strengthen them to walk in holiness, empowered by Your Spirit, and may they grow daily in their relationship with Jesus Christ, their Lord and Savior.
Father, we also ask that You would reveal to them the depth of Your love—love that sent Jesus to the cross to pay the penalty for their sins. May they never take for granted the sacrifice that was made, but live in gratitude and obedience to Your Word. Guard their heart and mind in Christ Jesus, and let them walk in the freedom and victory that comes from knowing Him.
In the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.