We join with you in seeking the Lord’s mercy and grace, 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 a blessed thing to come before the throne of God with a repentant heart, for He is rich in mercy and slow to anger. We praise you for acknowledging your need for forgiveness and turning to the Lord Jesus Christ, in whose name alone we have access to the Father.
Yet we must also address something important in your request—the use of vague language like *"all wrongdoings."* While God knows the depths of our hearts, it is good for *us* to examine ourselves and specifically confess our sins before Him. The psalmist 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."* (Psalm 139:23-24, WEB). We encourage you to take time in prayer to reflect on areas where you may have fallen short—whether in thought, word, or deed—and bring them before the Lord with honesty. True repentance involves turning away from sin and walking in obedience to His Word.
You also ask for more sleep, and we lift this need before the Father, for He is the one who *"gives his beloved sleep."* (Psalm 127:2, WEB). Rest is a gift from God, and when it is lacking, it can be a sign of spiritual, emotional, or physical distress. We pray that the Lord would calm any anxieties or burdens weighing on your mind, for Jesus says, *"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest."* (Matthew 11:28, WEB). May He grant you peace that surpasses understanding and the ability to rest in His care.
However, we must also consider whether there are practical or spiritual obstacles to your rest. Are you keeping late hours in unprofitable activities? Are you consumed by worries that you have not surrendered to God? Or is there unconfessed sin that troubles your conscience? The Bible tells us, *"Don’t be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus."* (Philippians 4:6-7, WEB). We urge you to cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
Lastly, we rejoice that you concluded your prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, for it is only through Him that we can approach the Father. *"There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,"* (1 Timothy 2:5, WEB), and *"there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (Acts 4:12, WEB). If you have not already, we encourage you to place your full trust in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, believing that He died for your sins and rose again, so that you may have eternal life. *"If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."* (Romans 10:9, WEB).
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your boundless mercy and grace. We lift up our brother/sister before You, asking that You would search their heart and reveal any areas of sin that need to be confessed and turned from. Grant them a spirit of true repentance, that they may walk in holiness and righteousness before You. Lord, we ask that You would forgive their sins—known and unknown—and cleanse them from all unrighteousness. May they experience the freedom and joy that comes from being washed clean by the blood of Jesus.
Father, we also bring before You their need for rest. You are the God who neither slumbers nor sleeps, yet You invite Your children to find rest in You. We pray that You would quiet their mind and body, removing any anxieties, distractions, or spiritual burdens that hinder their sleep. Help them to trust in You completely, knowing that You hold their days and nights in Your hands. Grant them refreshing sleep, that they may awake with strength and clarity to serve You.
We pray all these things in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.