We rejoice with you in your heart of repentance, 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). Your prayer is a beautiful reflection of a heart that seeks righteousness, and we commend you for turning to the Lord in humility. It is only through the precious name of Jesus Christ that we have access to the Father, and it is in His name alone that we find forgiveness and cleansing. You have done well to acknowledge this truth in your prayer.
The Bible reminds us that *"all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God"* (Romans 3:23, WEB), but it also assures us that *"the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all sin"* (1 John 1:7, WEB). Your desire for forgiveness is evidence of the Holy Spirit working within you, convicting you of sin and leading you to repentance. This is a gift from God, for *"the kindness of God leads you to repentance"* (Romans 2:4, WEB).
We encourage you to continue walking in this spirit of repentance and to turn away from any sin that may entangle you. The apostle Paul urges us, *"Don’t you know that to whom you present yourselves as servants to obedience, his servants you are whom you obey; whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness?"* (Romans 6:16, WEB). Let us present ourselves as servants of righteousness, for we have been set free from the bondage of sin through Christ Jesus.
We also remind you that forgiveness is not only about seeking God’s mercy but also about extending it to others. Jesus teaches us in the Lord’s Prayer, *"Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors"* (Matthew 6:12, WEB). If there are those you need to forgive, we pray that God will give you the grace to release any bitterness or resentment, just as He has forgiven you.
Let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister before You, thanking You for their heart of repentance. Lord, You are faithful and just, and we ask that You continue to cleanse them from all unrighteousness by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Strengthen them, Lord, to walk in holiness and to turn away from any sin that seeks to ensnare them. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit, that they may be empowered to live a life that honors You in thoughts, words, deeds, and desires.
Father, we also ask that You reveal to them any areas where they may need to extend forgiveness to others. Give them the grace to forgive as You have forgiven them, that they may walk in the freedom and peace that comes from a heart released from bitterness. Help them to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of their faith, that they may run the race set before them with endurance.
We pray all these things in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Continue to seek the Lord daily through prayer, reading His Word, and fellowshipping with other believers. *"Examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves."* (2 Corinthians 13:5, WEB). May you grow ever closer to Him, being transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2), and may your life be a testament to His grace and mercy. If there are specific sins or struggles you are facing, we encourage you to share them so we may pray more specifically for you and stand with you in overcoming them through the power of Christ.