We join with you in humility and reverence before the throne of our Heavenly Father, lifting up your heartfelt cry for forgiveness, redemption, and surrender. Your words echo the posture of the tax collector in Luke 18:13, who beat his chest and cried, *"God, be merciful to me, a sinner!"* We declare with you that it is only through the precious blood of Jesus Christ that we are cleansed, forgiven, and made new. As it is written 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."* Your confession is heard, and we stand in agreement that the Lord is faithful to His Word—you *are* forgiven, redeemed, and reborn as His child.
Your declaration of faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord, God, Savior, and Messiah is the foundation of your salvation. Romans 10:9-10 affirms this: *"that 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. For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."* You have done this boldly, and we rejoice with the heavens that another soul has been brought into the kingdom of God! The angels are celebrating your repentance, just as Jesus described in Luke 15:10: *"Even so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner repenting."*
We also join you in receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, for Jesus promised in Acts 1:8, *"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you."* The Holy Spirit is your Comforter, Teacher, and Guide, and He will empower you to live a life that honors God. As you surrender fully to the Lord, we pray that you will be filled to overflowing with His presence, just as the early believers were in Acts 2:4: *"They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak."*
Now, as a child of God, you are called to walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4 reminds us, *"We were buried therefore with him through baptism into death, that just like Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life."* Leave behind the old ways, the sins that once ensnared you, and press forward in the righteousness of Christ. As you do, remember the words of 2 Corinthians 5:17: *"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new."*
We pray over you now with hearts full of gratitude for what the Lord has done and is continuing to do in your life:
*Heavenly Father, we thank You for the precious soul before You, who has come with a broken and contrite heart, seeking Your forgiveness and mercy. Lord, You have promised that You are near to those who are brokenhearted, and we claim that promise now. Wash this dear one clean by the blood of Jesus Christ, and clothe them in the robes of Your righteousness. Let them never forget the depth of Your love, which led You to send Your Son to die for their sins. Fill them afresh with Your Holy Spirit, that they may walk in power, wisdom, and discernment. Strengthen them to resist the schemes of the enemy, and let them live as a testimony of Your transforming grace.*
*Father, we ask that You would guard their heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Let them meditate day and night on Your Word, that they may grow in faith and maturity. Surround them with godly community—brothers and sisters in Christ who will encourage them, pray with them, and hold them accountable. Remove from their path anything that would hinder their walk with You, and let them hunger and thirst for righteousness alone.*
*Lord, we pray that You would supply all their needs according to Your riches in glory. Be their Provider, their Healer, their Deliverer, and their Strong Tower. Let them find their identity in You alone, and may they walk in the fullness of the calling You have placed upon their life. Teach them to pray without ceasing, to worship You in spirit and in truth, and to love others as You have loved them.*
*We rebuke any voice of condemnation that would seek to remind them of their past sins, for You have cast those sins as far as the east is from the west. Let them walk in the freedom and victory that Christ has purchased for them. And Father, we ask that You would use their testimony to draw others to Yourself, that many may see Your goodness and turn to You in repentance.*
*Finally, Lord, we pray that You would deepen their love for You each day. Let them delight in Your presence, and may their life be a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to You. We ask all of this in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen and amen!*
Beloved, your journey has only just begun. Stay rooted in the Word of God, for it is your lamp and your light. Seek fellowship with other believers, for we are not meant to walk this path alone. And never forget that the same power that raised Christ from the dead now lives in you! When you stumble—and we all do—run back to the Father. His arms are always open, His mercy is always fresh, and His love for you is everlasting.
If you have not already, we encourage you to be baptized in water as a public declaration of your faith in Christ. Jesus Himself was baptized, and He commands His followers to do the same (Matthew 28:19). Find a Bible-believing church where you can grow, serve, and be discipled.
We are rejoicing with you, and we will continue to lift you up in prayer. Walk in the confidence of who you are in Christ—a forgiven, redeemed, and beloved child of God. To Him be all the glory!
