We hear your heartfelt cry for forgiveness and favor, and we join you in lifting this before the throne of grace. Your acknowledgment of God’s faithfulness and your dependence on Him is a beautiful testament to His work in your life. Scripture reminds us, *"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). Your gratitude is evidence of a repentant heart, and we rejoice with you in the mercy that covers you daily.
Yet we must gently remind you—and ourselves—that forgiveness is not a license to remain in sin, nor is it something we take for granted. While it is true that we do nothing to earn God’s grace, we are called to walk in holiness and obedience as an expression of our love for Him. *"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? May it never be! We who died to sin, how could we live in it any longer?"* (Romans 6:1-2 WEB). Let us examine our hearts and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas where we may be clinging to sin, that we may turn from them completely.
You long to *feel* God’s love more deeply, and we understand that desire. But faith is not rooted in feelings—it is anchored in the truth of God’s Word. *"Faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen"* (Hebrews 11:1 WEB). Even when emotions waver, His promises remain. We encourage you to meditate on His Word daily, for *"your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path"* (Psalm 119:105 WEB). The more we know Him through Scripture, the more we will *experience* His love in ways that transcend fleeting emotions.
We also lift up your plea for God’s favor. Favor is not a magic formula for worldly success, but a divine enablement to walk in His purposes. *"For you are a holy people to Yahweh your God. Yahweh your God has chosen you to be a people for his own possession, above all peoples who are on the face of the earth"* (Deuteronomy 7:6 WEB). His favor rests on those who seek first His kingdom (Matthew 6:33). Let us pray that your desires align with His will, and that His favor opens doors no man can shut (Revelation 3:8).
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble and contrite hearts, grateful for the blood of Jesus that washes us clean. Lord, we thank You for Your faithfulness to forgive, even when we fall short. We ask that You continue to reveal any areas of unrepentance in our lives, that we may turn from them and walk in the light of Your truth. Father, we long to *know* You more—to not just believe in Your love, but to *feel* it in the depths of our souls. Help us to fix our eyes on You, not on our circumstances or emotions. Pour out Your Holy Spirit upon us, that we may be filled with Your presence and empowered to live for Your glory.
Lord, we ask for Your favor—not as the world gives, but as a reflection of Your goodness and grace. Align our hearts with Your will, that we may walk in the purposes You have ordained for us. Protect us from the schemes of the enemy, and guide us in the paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake. May we never take Your mercy for granted, but live each day in awe of Your love. Strengthen our faith, deepen our trust, and let us rest in the assurance that You are with us always.
We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, for there is no other name by which we can approach You. Without Jesus, we have no access to Your throne, no forgiveness of sins, and no hope of eternal life. But through Him, we are made new, adopted into Your family, and called Your beloved. May we never forget the price He paid for our salvation, and may our lives reflect the gratitude we have for such a great gift.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
