We come before you with hearts full of gratitude that you have sought the Lord’s forgiveness, 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). This is a beautiful and necessary step in our walk with Christ—acknowledging our need for His mercy and grace. We rejoice that you have called upon the name of Jesus, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). It is only through Him that we have access to the Father, and it is in His name that we find redemption and the washing away of our sins.
Yet we must also ask: what are the sins weighing on your heart that you seek forgiveness for? The Lord already knows, but there is power in confessing them specifically before Him. Are there areas of your life where you have strayed from His commands? Have you harbored bitterness, engaged in ungodly relationships, or allowed sin to take root in ways that grieve the Holy Spirit? The Lord calls us not just to seek forgiveness but to turn away from those sins—*"Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, so that there may come times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord"* (Acts 3:19, WEB).
If there is unconfessed sin, particularly in the area of relationships—whether fornication, adultery, or any form of sexual immorality—we urge you to lay it before the Lord now. The body is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:13). If you are in a relationship outside of marriage, we pray you would seek godly counsel and align your steps with Scripture, pursuing holiness and a marriage that honors Christ. If you are struggling with same-sex attraction or any form of homosexuality, know that the Lord’s grace is sufficient to redeem and transform. *"Don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit God’s Kingdom? Don’t be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortionists, will inherit God’s Kingdom. Some of you were such, but you were washed. You were sanctified. You were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and in the Spirit of our God."* (1 Corinthians 6:9-11, WEB). There is hope and freedom in Christ!
Let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up your child before You, thanking You that they have come to You in the name of Jesus, seeking forgiveness and cleansing. Lord, we ask that You would search their heart and reveal any area where they have fallen short of Your glory. Give them the courage to confess and repent fully, turning away from all sin and walking in the newness of life that Christ has purchased for them. If there are relationships or behaviors that dishonor You, convict them by Your Spirit and lead them into paths of righteousness. Fill them with Your peace, knowing that their sins are forgiven not because of anything they have done, but because of the precious blood of Jesus shed on the cross.
Strengthen them to walk in victory, putting on the full armor of God so that they may stand firm against the schemes of the enemy. Remind them daily of Your love and the price You paid to set them free. May they live as a vessel of honor, set apart for Your purposes, and may their life bring glory to Your name. We ask all this in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.