The Spirit of PrayerSample

And forgive us our debts,

REPENTANCE

Repentance is not just about saying sorry for mistakes, but an attitude of the heart before God. Repentance is confessing your need for God. When we confess our sins, we agree with God that we are wrong and that we have sinned against him by what we have said, thought, or done. God forgives us and restores our fellowship with Him (1 John 1:9).

Mark 11:25-26

And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Sin is a snare that we can get trapped in, but God has set you free so you can live in freedom (Galatians 5:1). Repentance is an ongoing action for Christians, 1 John 1:8-10 says if we confess our sins, he will forgive us. Again, did you notice the if..? It is our responsibility to take time to repent. Repentance keeps our heart humble before God and releases the grace of God in our lives to overcome sin.

Repentance is the key to overcoming Satan.

James 4:7

Submit yourselves then to God. Resist the devil and he will flee.

When we repent, we submit our hearts and lives to God afresh, the devil sees that submission and must flee. It is the power of a submitted heart to God that releases us from the power of sin. Take some time in your prayer today to repent before God of your sins: actions, pride, unforgiveness... if you can’t think of anything just ask the Holy Spirit to show you anything that you need to repent of. Stop just resisting that sin and bring it openly and honestly to God, saying sorry with a heart of repentance.

Prayer: Father, I ask for forgiveness for the sin in my life. I repent of any sins that have crept into my life, in my actions or in my words. I thank you, Father, that as I confess my sins to you that you are faithful and just and forgive me of my sins. Set me free Lord, so that I can live out the freedom that you won for me on the cross.

KEY PRAYER POINT: PRAY FOR THE FAMILIES IN YOUR CHURCH THAT GOD WOULD GIVE THEM STRENGTH, WISDOM, GUIDANCE AND PROVISION AS THEY FOLLOW HIM.