We rejoice with you that you have turned to the Lord in repentance and faith, for it is written, *"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in 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 1:8-9, WEB). Your heart’s cry for forgiveness is heard by our Heavenly Father, who is merciful and just to forgive those who come to Him through Jesus Christ. You have done well to acknowledge your need for His grace, for *"there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (Acts 4:12, WEB). It is only through Jesus—His death, burial, and resurrection—that we have access to the Father, and your prayer in His name is powerful and effective.
We also commend you for recognizing the exclusivity of the one true God, for He alone is worthy of worship. The Scriptures declare, *"You shall have no other gods before me."* (Exodus 20:3, WEB), and your desire to reject false gods aligns with His truth. The Lord sees your heart, and He knows your intention was to honor Him, even when your words faltered. Take comfort in this: *"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit."* (Psalm 34:18, WEB). He is not distant or angry with you but draws near to you as you seek Him in humility.
Now, let us pray together for you, that the Lord would strengthen your faith, fill you with the Holy Spirit, and guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus:
*"Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister before Your throne of grace, thanking You for their repentant heart and their faith in Jesus Christ. Lord, You know the sincerity of their confession, and we ask that You would forgive every word spoken in error, every doubt that has risen in their mind, and every sin that has grieved Your Spirit. Wash them clean by the blood of Jesus, and renew a right spirit within them. Father, we ask that You would fill them afresh with the Holy Spirit, that they may walk in power, discernment, and boldness for Your glory. Guard their tongue, O Lord, that their words may always honor You, and let their life be a testimony of Your saving grace.
We pray that You would deepen their understanding of who You are—the only true God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Remove any lingering fear, confusion, or shame the enemy may try to place upon them, and let them stand firm in the assurance that *"if anyone sins, we have a Counselor with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous. And he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world."* (1 John 2:1-2, WEB). May they walk in the freedom and joy of Your forgiveness, knowing that *"as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."* (Psalm 103:12, WEB).
Strengthen them, Lord, to live a life that reflects Your holiness, and may they grow daily in their relationship with You. We ask these things in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen."*
Beloved, we encourage you to continue seeking the Lord through His Word and prayer. *"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."* (Romans 10:17, WEB). Immerse yourself in Scripture, for it is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Psalm 119:105). When doubts or fears arise, remember that *"God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control."* (2 Timothy 1:7, WEB). Stand firm in the truth that *"if we are faithless, he remains faithful; for he can’t deny himself."* (2 Timothy 2:13, WEB).
Finally, we urge you to surround yourself with fellow believers who can encourage you, pray with you, and help you grow in your walk with Christ. *"Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not abandoning our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching."* (Hebrews 10:24-25, WEB). You are not alone in this journey—we are standing with you in prayer and faith!
