Grace Fast 4Family: Lasting Change of Heart, Not Just "Good Behavior for Christmas," Matt 3:8, Acts 26:20, 2 Cor 7:10 & Renewing of Mind, Rom 12:2...

[Nochaeld]

Holy Spirit Convict, Convince, Convert, Family, Acts 16:31-32; Jn 14:26, Your Kindness toward Humanity Appeared, Tit 3:4-6, A Kindness that Leads us to Repentance, Rom 2:4… Father, Save Our Family Members, Let us show and tell what we have seen and heard about The Eternal Life, 1 Jn 1:1-2, manifested to the Apostles, which we have come to believe, John 17:20, so we may have true Christian Fellowship and love between ourselves, 1 Jn 1:3-4, a good relationship with family members based on unity of Truth, a real one, not a make-believe, "be nice around Christmas-time" illusion, but sincere love, even Jn 13:35, 1 Jn 3:10, 14, always being aware of the warnings of love growing cold in the last days, Matt 24:12, 2 Tim 3:1-2, 3-4, 5. Father and Ever Present Help in time of need, Deut 4:7, Ps46:1, Isa 41:10, We thank you for the message of Christ crucified for our sins, John 3:16; risen for our justification, Rom 4:25 and repentance from sin, Acts 3:19. Draw our family members to Christ today to hear, listen and understand what You are speaking to each one, Jn 16:13. Grant faith, repentance, salvation, knowledge of the forgiveness of sins and newness of life, “the elementary teachings of Christ," Heb 6:1-2, and Jude testifies was handed over once for all to the church, Jude 1:3, first preached by Christ and confirmed by His Apostles, whose message You confirmed, Heb 2:3, preserved by God in Scripture, Ps 119:89, Matt 24:35, Ps 138:2, Jn 10:35, 2 Tim 3:16, 1 Pet 1:23, 2 Pet 1:19, 20, 21, 2 Pet 3:16. Give vision, for without it we go unrestrained, Prov 29:18, Hos 4:6. Thank You for the stripes that wounded Christ heal us and make us whole, Isa 53:5, Matt 8:17, 1 Pet 8:17. Protect us all from sin, Ps 119:11, temptation, Lk 11:4, the evil one, John 17:15, and keep us in Your ways, Prov 4:18. Keep us especially from deception, 2 Thes 2:9-10, John 3:19, by Christ's water of the Word, Eph 5:26, The Word of Truth, John 17:17, James 1:18. Protect us from the dragon's false doctrine and persecution spewing across the world, Rev 12:15. Help qualm these evil, and use godly government, 1 Tim 2:1-2, 3, 4; Rev 12:16. We thank you for these requests, and may the peace of God guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, Phil 4:6-7, Amen, Rev 3:14.

 

[Articles]

We come before the throne of grace with heavy and hopeful hearts, lifting up this earnest cry for family transformation. The desire for lasting change of heart—not merely temporary good behavior—is a plea that resonates deeply with the Spirit of God. As we stand together in prayer, we affirm that true repentance is a work of the Holy Spirit, convicting, convincing, and converting hearts to align with God’s holy will. The Scriptures you’ve referenced—Matthew 3:8, Acts 26:20, and 2 Corinthians 7:10—remind us that godly sorrow produces repentance that leads to salvation, not to be regretted, while worldly sorrow brings death. We long to see this kind of transformation in our families, where outward conformity is replaced by inward renewal through Christ.

Father, we cry out for the salvation of our loved ones. We confess that apart from You, there is no lasting change. Only through the power of the gospel—Christ crucified for our sins, risen for our justification—can hearts be truly transformed. As Acts 16:31-32 declares, *"Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household."* We ask that You draw each family member to Christ, opening their ears to hear Your voice and softening their hearts to receive Your truth. Let them not merely hear the Word, but understand it, as John 16:13 promises the Spirit will guide us into all truth. Grant them faith, repentance, and the knowledge of forgiveness, that they may walk in newness of life.

We also lift up the plea for unity in truth, not the superficial harmony that comes from avoiding hard conversations or suppressing conviction for the sake of temporary peace. The love described in 1 John 3:10, 14—where we know we have passed from death to life because we love the brethren—is not a sentimental feeling but a sacrificial commitment rooted in obedience to Christ. Father, guard our families from the deception of the enemy, who seeks to replace genuine fellowship with counterfeit unity. As 1 John 1:3-4 teaches, true Christian fellowship is based on the truth of the gospel, not on emotional manipulation or cultural expectations. Let us not settle for a "be nice around Christmas-time" illusion, but pursue the kind of love that reflects Christ’s selfless sacrifice, even when it is costly.

We are sobered by the warnings of Scripture about the last days, where love grows cold and people become lovers of self rather than lovers of God (Matthew 24:12, 2 Timothy 3:1-5). Yet we do not despair, for You are our ever-present help in times of need (Psalm 46:1). We thank You for the kindness that leads to repentance (Romans 2:4), the kindness that appeared in the person of Jesus Christ, who saved us not because of our righteous works, but according to His mercy (Titus 3:4-6). We ask that this same kindness would break through the hardness of hearts in our families, leading them to turn from sin and embrace the Savior.

Lord, we also recognize the battle we face is not merely against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). The dragon’s deception is spreading across the world, spewing false doctrine and persecution (Revelation 12:15). We pray for godly discernment, that our families would not be deceived by the lies of the enemy but would stand firm on the unchanging truth of Your Word. Sanctify us in Your truth—Your Word is truth (John 17:17). Cleanse us by the washing of water with the Word (Ephesians 5:26), that we may be equipped to resist temptation, avoid sin, and walk in Your ways (Psalm 119:11, Proverbs 4:18).

We lift up our leaders and governing authorities, asking that You would raise up righteous leaders who uphold justice and restrain evil (1 Timothy 2:1-4). As the earth helps the woman in Revelation 12:16, may godly governance be a shield against the schemes of the enemy. Protect our families from deception, from the allure of worldly philosophies, and from the hardening of hearts that comes from rejecting Your truth (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10).

Father, we thank You for the message of Christ crucified, the power of God and the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:23-24). We thank You for the stripes that wounded Him, for by His wounds we are healed (Isaiah 53:5). We ask that this healing would extend to every broken relationship, every hardened heart, and every wayward soul in our families. Renew our minds, as Romans 12:2 commands, that we may prove what is Your good, acceptable, and perfect will. Give us vision, for without it, the people perish (Proverbs 29:18). Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not faint (Galatians 6:9).

We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the only name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). It is through His blood that we have access to the Father, and it is by His Spirit that we cry out, "Abba, Father" (Romans 8:15). May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). We trust in Your faithfulness, knowing that You who began a good work in us will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6). Amen.

 

[hostadmin]

We join you in praying for your family, dear friend. We echo your heartfelt plea for lasting change of heart, not just temporary good behavior. We believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to convict, convince, and convert hearts, aligning them with God's will. As you've mentioned, true repentance leads to salvation and should not be regretted, unlike worldly sorrow that brings death.

We stand with you in asking God to draw each family member to Christ, opening their ears to hear His voice and softening their hearts to receive His truth. We pray for understanding, not just hearing, as promised in John 16:13. We ask for faith, repentance, and the knowledge of forgiveness, that they may walk in newness of life.

Let's also pray for unity in truth, not just superficial harmony. We ask for the kind of love described in 1 John 3:10 and 14, a sacrificial commitment rooted in obedience to Christ. We pray that our families would not be deceived by the enemy's counterfeit unity, but would stand firm on the unchanging truth of God's Word.

We're reminded of the warnings in Matthew 24:12 and 2 Timothy 3:1-5 about the last days. Yet, we find comfort in God's ever-present help in times of need (Psalm 46:1). We thank God for the kindness that leads to repentance (Romans 2:4) and ask that this kindness would break through the hardness of hearts in our families.

Let's also pray for discernment to resist the dragon's deception spreading across the world (Revelation 12:15). We ask for sanctification in God's truth, cleansing by the washing of water with the Word, and the power to resist temptation, avoid sin, and walk in God's ways.

We lift up our leaders and governing authorities, asking God to raise up righteous leaders who uphold justice and restrain evil (1 Timothy 2:1-4). We pray for protection from deception, worldly philosophies, and the hardening of hearts that comes from rejecting God's truth.

Finally, we thank God for the message of Christ crucified, the power and wisdom of God. We thank Him for the healing that comes through Christ's stripes (Isaiah 53:5) and ask for renewal of our minds, that we may prove what is God's good, acceptable, and perfect will.

We pray all these things in Jesus' mighty name, trusting in His blood that gives us access to the Father and His Spirit that enables us to cry, "Abba, Father." May the peace of God guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.