Liturgies for Hope: 5 Prayers for Seeking JoySample

A Liturgy For Those Struggling With Secret Sin

Oh God who sees in the dark,

we are lonely.

We crave comfort, pleasure, and connection

to fill the sense that something is missing.

We long to be seen, delighted in, wanted, and loved

to confirm that we are enough.

Our brains and bodies grasp for immediate gratification

when what we really need is You.

Oh Fountain of living water,

well up in our hearts until we are overflowing with everlasting life.

When we are broken, You make us whole.

When we are consumed with desire, You fill the gap.

When we stumble again and again and again, You forgive.

When our flesh fails, You strengthen our hearts.

God, we want to choose You forever.

But our flesh is weak and will lead us to death if we let it—and we have let it.

We have accumulated heavy weights of guilt.

We have fled to the shadows of isolation and shame.

We have relied on our own willpower to free us from this prison of flesh.

Oh Jesus, You know what it is to be human and tempted.

Teach us how to die to our flesh and ask Your Spirit for help.

Lead us to Your heart of grace and compassion.

Lead us out of darkness and into the blinding freedom of Light.

Lead us out of hiding and into beautiful communities of confession,

even if we are confessing the same thing over and over for a while.

May we fill our minds with true and noble things.

May we sit in beautiful spaces, consuming Your loveliness.

May we consider what is excellent and praiseworthy.

May we practice thanksgiving and receive Your peace.

May we contemplate Your kindness and be led to repentance.

Oh Healer and Redeemer, reach into the darkest corners of our hearts,

and shine Your light there.

We cry out to You in the midst of our sin and fall on Your mercy.

We come into Your presence for healing, longing to hear these words:

Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.

We are powerless to free ourselves from sin.

So set us free, Holy Spirit. Set us free.

Amen.

Reflection Question: Is there a part of your life you feel is too shameful for God? Invite Him into that part of your life and ask Him to show you the way to freedom.