We join you in coming before the throne of grace, seeking the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness, 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). How gracious is our God, who does not treat us as our sins deserve but removes them as far as the east is from the west when we repent with a sincere heart! (Psalm 103:10-12).
Yet we must also remember that true repentance is not merely asking for forgiveness in a general sense but turning away from sin with a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit. The Lord calls us to examine ourselves—are there specific sins we need to name before Him? Are there areas of our lives where we have not fully surrendered to His will? *"Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way."* (Psalm 139:23-24, WEB). Let us not take His forgiveness for granted but approach Him with humility, ready to forsake anything that displeases Him.
We also rejoice that you have invoked the name of Jesus Christ, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). It is only through His sacrificial death and resurrection that we can boldly approach the Father. If there is anyone reading this who has not yet placed their faith in Jesus alone for salvation, we urge you to do so today. *"Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved"* (Acts 16:31, WEB). Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved (Romans 10:9).
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from all sin. We come before You now, asking for Your mercy and forgiveness—not just in word, but with hearts that are truly repentant. Lord, reveal to us any hidden sin, any area where we have strayed from Your path. Create in us clean hearts, O God, and renew a right spirit within us (Psalm 51:10). Help us to walk in obedience, empowered by Your Holy Spirit, so that we may live in a way that honors You.
We also lift up those who may be reading this but have not yet surrendered their lives to You. Father, draw them to Yourself. Open their eyes to see their need for a Savior and their hearts to receive Jesus as Lord. Let today be the day of salvation for them.
We ask all these things in the precious and mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and King. Amen.