We hear your cry for forgiveness and your deep desire to walk in God’s ways. Your honesty before the Lord is a beautiful step toward true repentance. The Scriptures tell 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."* The Lord does not turn away a broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17), and we rejoice that you are seeking Him with sincerity.
Lust, anger, and smoking are indeed struggles that can entangle us, but we serve a God who is greater than any temptation. The apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10:13, *"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 it."* The Lord provides a way out—we must lean on His strength, not our own, and flee from sin when it presents itself.
We must also address the matter of smoking, as your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Anything that harms the body or enslaves the will is not honoring to God. We encourage you to seek accountability and practical steps to break free from this habit, trusting in the Lord’s power to deliver you.
Your mention of Isaiah 59:2 is a sobering reminder that sin separates us from God, but praise be to Him, for He has provided the solution through Jesus Christ! In Isaiah 53:5, we read, *"But he was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed."* It is only through the blood of Jesus that our sins are washed away, and it is only by His name that we can approach the Father. If you have not already, we urge you to place your faith fully in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
Let us pray with you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, lifting up our brother who is seeking Your forgiveness and strength. Lord, we thank You for Your endless mercy and grace, which You freely pour out on those who repent. We ask that You would cleanse him from all unrighteousness and break the chains of lust, anger, and smoking that have held him captive. Fill him with Your Holy Spirit, that he may walk in purity and self-control, no longer a slave to sin but a victor in Christ.
Father, we pray that You would renew his mind and strengthen his resolve to flee from temptation. Surround him with godly accountability and remind him daily of Your love and power to overcome. Help him to see himself as You see him—a new creation in Christ, free from the bondage of sin (2 Corinthians 5:17). Lord, we also ask that You would heal any consequences of past sins and restore what has been broken. May he experience the fullness of Your peace and the joy of walking in Your ways.
We pray all of this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone has the power to forgive sins and set the captives free. Amen.
We encourage you to immerse yourself in God’s Word daily, for it is alive and active, sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). Meditate on Scriptures that speak to your struggles, such as Romans 6:12-14, Galatians 5:16, and Ephesians 4:26-27. Surround yourself with believers who will pray for you, hold you accountable, and encourage you in your walk with Christ. Remember, victory is not found in your own strength but in surrendering to the Lord and trusting in His power to transform you. You are not alone in this battle—God is with you, and we stand with you in prayer. Keep pressing forward, for the Lord is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in you (Philippians 1:6).
