Prayers of Repentance
"Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first Love.
Remember the height from which you have fallen!
Repent and do the things you did at first.
If you do not repent, I will come to you
and remove your lampstand from its place."
Revelation 2:4
As
Christians, we do many things that are good and right in the eyes of
the Lord. Like the Church at Ephesus, we are diligent about working as
unto the Lord and doing good deeds, yet the Lord desires something more
of us. What He requires is not so much about "doing" as it is about
remembering. He wants us to journey back to the place where He first
found us, to remember the wonder of receiving His incomparable gift of
love and grace. He wants us to experience anew the joy that flowed
from those first moments of new birth. When we go back to that place,
we will long to stay there. When we return to the place we once knew,
we will want to dwell there forever.
Returning
to that place requires us to turn away from our current path. It means
surrendering all that we are holding onto--and all that is holding onto
us--and clinging to the Lord. He is Holy, and He requires that we be
holy; therefore, we must let go of all that is unholy in our lives.
Shedding our unrighteousness requires confession and repentance. We
must first confess the wrong way we have been living; this means we
agree that we have sinned against God. We then repent; this means we
deliberately turn away from those sinful attitudes and behaviors and
choose to follow that which is holy, right, pure, and noble.
Romans
2:4 instructs, "God's kindness leads you toward repentance". His
kindness affords us the opportunity to repent. He desires that our
relationship with Him be restored to that place of deep and abiding
intimacy. He longs for this! He is jealous for this!
The
Scriptures tell us, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just
and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1
John 1:9). Below is a list (but not an exhaustive list!) of sins. Each
has corresponding Scriptures over which you can pray as you ask the
Lord to reveal those areas of unconfessed sin in your life. Let the
Lord impress upon your heart what needs to be confessed and removed
from your life, and take time to record your revelations in your
journal. It is a good practice to daily confess our sins, so that we
can therefore be holy and blameless as we approach the throne of grace.
Psalm
66:18-19 says, "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not
have listened; but God has surely listened and heard my voice in
prayer." Unconfessed sin blocks the Lord from hearing our prayers as
much as that same sin blocks us from hearing Him. It is a distraction
and a barrier that must be removed in order to clear the lines of
communication with our Father. Do not waste another day! Open your
heart, confess your sins, and allow the Lord to fill you with the
overwhelming joy of His forgiveness and love.
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Anger, also known as Wrath, spurns love and opts instead for fury.
SCRIPTURES:
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1)
"A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control." (Proverbs 29:11)
"...Everyone
should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for
man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent
and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you." (James
1:19-21)
MEDITATION:
"The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion." (Numbers 14:18)
THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST: He is Loving.
" 'My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.' " (John 15:12)
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Compromise
lowers our Christian standards, as outlined in God's Holy Word, in
order to assimilate to worldly standards. Compromise is a dangerous
choice, giving the enemy a toehold in our lives. Interestingly, one of
the formal definitions of compromise is "to jeopardize, expose, or make
vulnerable to danger".
SCRIPTURES:
"
'... I will deal with them according to their conduct, and by their own
standards I will judge them. Then they will know that I am the LORD.' "
(Ezekiel 7:27)
"
' ... you have not followed My decrees or kept My laws but have
conformed to the standards of the nations around you.' " (Ezekiel 11:12)
MEDITATION:
"Shadrach,
Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not
need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown
into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to rescue us from
it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does
not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or
worship the image of gold you have set up.' " (Daniel 3:16-18)
THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST: He is Uncompromising.
"Jesus said to him, 'Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' ' " (Matthew 4:10)
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Envy, which would also be a lack of contentment, desires that which belongs to another.
SCRIPTURES:
"Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple." (Job 5:2)
"A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." (Proverbs 14:30)
"Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD." (Proverbs 23:17)
MEDITATION:
"Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." (Galatians 5:26)
"...
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it
is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned
the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well
fed of hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything
through Him Who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:11-13)
THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST: He is Selfless.
"... just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:28)
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Fear demonstrates a lack of trust in God's provision and sovereignty.
SCRIPTURES:
"Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe." (Proverbs 29:25)
" 'I, even I, am He Who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mortal man ...?' "
(Isaiah 51:12)
MEDITATION:
"
'So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your
God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My
righteous right hand.' " (Isaiah 41:10)
THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST: He is Courageous.
"He
... prayed, 'My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken
away unless I drink it, may Your will be done.' " (Matthew 26:42)
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Gluttony
causes one consume more than is required. Commonly linked with food,
one could also be gluttonous in other areas, such as shopping or
watching television.
SCRIPTURES:
"Do
not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for
drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in
rags." (Proverbs 23:20)
"He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father." (Proverbs 28:7)
MEDITATION:
"Israel's
watchmen are blind, they all lack knowledge; ... they lie around and
dream, they love to sleep. They are dogs with mighty appetites; they
never have enough. They are shepherds who lack understanding; they all
turn to their own way, each seeks his own gain. 'Come,' each one cries,
'let me get wine! Let us drink our fill of beer! And tomorrow will be
like today, or even far better.' " (Isaiah 56:10-12)
THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST: He is Temperate.
"After
fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. The tempter came to
Him and said, 'If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become
bread.' Jesus answered, 'It is written: 'Man does not live on bread
alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" (Matthew
4:2-4)
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Gossip
harms with idle and reckless talk about another. Slander, sometimes an
outgrowth of Gossip, dishonors others with malicious, false, and
defamatory statements.
SCRIPTURES:
"A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret." (Proverbs 11:13)
"A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends." (Proverbs 16:28)
" 'Do not go about spreading slander among your people.' " (Leviticus 19:16a)
"Brothers,
do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or
judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the
law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it." (James
4:11)
MEDITATION:
"Remind
the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to
be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and
considerate, and to show true humility toward all men." (Titus 3:1-2)
THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST: He is Encouraging.
"Jesus
straightened up and asked her, 'Woman, where are they? Has no one
condemned you?' 'No one, sir,' she said. 'Then neither do I condemn
you,' Jesus declared. 'Go now and leave your life of sin.' "
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Greed, also known as Avarice or Covetousness, creates a desire for material gain above eternal treasure.
SCRIPTURES:
"A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper." (Proverbs 28:25)
"
'Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life
does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.' " (Luke 12:15)
MEDITATION:
"But
among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any
kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's
holy people. ... For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or
greedy person--such a man is an idolater--has any inheritance in the
kingdom of Christ and of God." (Ephesians 5:3, 5)
THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST: He is Generous.
"For
you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich,
yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty
might become rich." (2 Corinthians 8:9)
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Hypocrisy represents the pretense of having a Christian character although the hypocrite's private life belies his public stance.
SCRIPTURES:
"...
'Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is
hypocrisy. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or
hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will
be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the
inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.' " (Luke 12:1-3)
"...Rid
yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander
of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that
by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that
the Lord is good." (1 Peter 2:1-3)
MEDITATION:
"
'Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness before men, to be
seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in
heaven.' " (Matthew 6:1) ; See also Matthew 6:1-18 and Matthew 23:1-39
THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST: He is Sincere.
"Then
Jesus said to the crowds and to His disciples: '... do not do what they
do, for they do not practice what they preach." (Matthew 23:3)
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Impurity
allows one's mind to think unholy thoughts, which, in turn, lead to
unholy actions. A formal definition of impurity is "a worthless or
dangerous material that should be removed.
SCRIPTURES:
"...Just
as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and
to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to
righteousness leading to holiness." (Romans 6:19)
"See
to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows
up to cause trouble and defile many." (Hebrews 12:15)
MEDITATION:
"Finally,
brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if
anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."
(Philippians 4:8)
THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST: He is Pure.
"God made Him Who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21)
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Ingratitude, which can be linked to Selfishness, exhibits a lack of gratitude and thankfulness.
SCRIPTURES:
"Do
nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility
consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not
only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."
(Philippians 2:3-4)
"For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice." (James 3:16)
MEDITATION:
"So
then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in
Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were
taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." (Colossians 2:6-8)
THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST: He is Grateful.
"...
Then Jesus looked up and said, 'Father, I thank You that You have heard
Me. I knew that You always hear Me, but I said this for the benefit of
the people standing here, that they may believe that You sent Me.' "
(John 11:41-42)
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Laziness, also known as Sloth, indicates a lack of interest in work well done.
SCRIPTURES:
"Go
to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no
commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you
sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a
little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest--and poverty will
come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man." (Proverbs
6:6-11)
"Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth." (Proverbs 10:4)
"One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys." (Proverbs 18:9)
"If a man is lazy, the rafters sag; if his hands are idle, the house leaks." (Ecclesiastes 10:18)
MEDITATION:
"We
want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order
to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to
imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been
promised." (Hebrews 6:11-12)
THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST: He is Diligent.
"Jesus
went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues,
preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and
sickness. When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because
they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples,
'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the
harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.' "
(Matthew 9:35-38)
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Lust results from unchecked cravings for fleshly pleasures.
SCRIPTURES:
"Do not lust in your heart ..." (Proverbs 6:25)
"
'... how I have been grieved by their adulterous hearts, which have
turned away from Me, and by their eyes, which have lusted after their
idols. They will loathe themselves for the evil they have done and for
all their detestable practices ...' "(Ezekiel 6:9-10)
MEDITATION:
"They
are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God
because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their
hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to
sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual
lust for more. You, however, did not come to know Christ that way."
(Ephesians 4:18-20)
THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST: He is Self-Controlled.
"Therefore,
since we have a great high Priest who has passed through the heavens,
Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For
we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our
weaknesses, but we have One Who has been tempted in every way, just as
we are--yet was without sin." (Hebrews 4:14-15)
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Pride, known also as Vanity, represents a belief in one's own abilities without recognizing the grace of God.
SCRIPTURES:
"In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God." (Psalm 10:4)
" 'To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.' " (Proverbs 8:13)
"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18)
MEDITATION:
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3)
THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST: He is Humble.
" 'Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart ...' " (Matthew 11:29)
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Profanity illustrates a lack of reverence for God by using abusive, unholy, or vulgar language.
SCRIPTURES:
"
'You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will
not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His name.' " (Exodus 20:7)
" 'Do not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.' " (Leviticus 19:12)
MEDITATION:
"...let
us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit,
perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." (2 Corinthians 7:1)
THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST: He is Reverent.
" 'This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name ...' ' " (Matthew 6:9)
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Stealing,
takes, without permission, that which belongs to another, whether
physical or intellectual property. Especially flagrant is stealing
secretly or by force.
SCRIPTURES:
" 'Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another.' " (Leviticus 19:11)
"He
who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing
something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to
share with those in need." (Ephesians 4:28)
MEDITATION:
"Let
no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love another,
for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments,
'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not
covet,' and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in
this one rule: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no harm to
its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." (Romans
13:8-10)
THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST: He is Trusting.
"Consider
how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not
even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that
is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and
tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will He clothe you, O
you of little faith! And do not set your heart what you will eat or
drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such
things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek His kingdom,
and these things will be given to you as well." (Luke 12:27-31)
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Unforgiveness represents a lack of forgiveness and is characterized by an unrelenting, unmerciful nature.
SCRIPTURES:
" 'But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.' " (Matthew 6:15)
"'Be
merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will
not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive,
and you will be forgiven.' " (Luke 6:36-37)
MEDITATION:
"
'Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said,
'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn't
you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' ...
This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you
forgive your brother from your heart.' " (Matthew 18:32-35)
THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST: He is Forgiving.
"When
they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him,
along with the criminals--one on His right, the other on His left.
Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are
doing.' " (Luke 23:33-34a)
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Untruthfulness, or Lying, is the antithesis of truth. It deliberately misleads, spouting counterfeits, deceptions, and falsehoods.
SCRIPTURES:
"Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous." (Psalm 31:18)
"Save me, O LORD, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues." (Psalm 120:2)
"The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in men who are truthful." (Proverbs 12:22)
MEDITATION:
"Therefore
each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his
neighbor, for we are all members of one body." (Ephesians 4:25)
THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST: He is Truthful.
"Jesus answered, 'I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'" (John 14:6)
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Worldliness focuses on temporal, earthly concerns, shunning things of eternal value.
SCRIPTURES:
"
'The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man
who hears the Word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness
of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.' " (Matthew 13:22)
" 'What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?' " (Luke 9:25)
" 'As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.' " (John 15:19b)
"Brothers,
I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly--mere infants in
Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready.
You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among
you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men?" (1
Corinthians 3:1-3)
MEDITATION:
"Do
not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve
what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2)
THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST: He is Eternally-Minded.
"Jesus said, 'My kingdom is not of this world.' " (John 18:36a)
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Worry,
a close relative of Fear, enslaves the worrier with anxiety,
apprehension, and uneasiness, negating the perfect peace, which God
alone provides.
SCRIPTURES:
" 'Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.' " (Matthew 6:34a)
"
'Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is
forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.' " (Luke
12:6-7)
MEDITATION:
"Then
Jesus said to His disciples: 'Therefore I tell you, do not worry about
your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.
Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the
ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storehouse or barn; yet
God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of
you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do
this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?' " (Luke
12:22-25)
THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST: He is Peace-Filled.
"
'Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as
the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be
afraid.' " (John 14:27)
" 'Return to me,' declares the Lord Almighty,
'And I will return to you.' "
- Zechariah 1:3
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