January 24, 2022

Prayers of Repentance

Lord’s Prayer Focus: The Father’s Forgiveness
After Jesus addresses requests in prayer, he moves on to repentance. He continues the Lord’s Prayer saying: “and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.…” (Matthew 6:12). As we focus on witnessing and evangelism, we are boldly calling others to repentance. If we are going to prophetically call for repentance, we must be sure that we also are repenting of our own sins. We must also repent of the sins that keep us from effectively witnessing to those in our circle of influence. Each topic in this section will call for repentance for a common sin. The questions and prayer points in the coming weeks aren’t meant as condemnations or accusations. Rather, they present an opportunity for self-reflection and humility as the Spirit reveals our sins.

1 John 1:8-10 (ESV) “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

Throughout the book of 1 John, many different signs of true faith are listed. One of the ways that you know that you are a true believer is if you are actively admitting and repenting your sin. These verses are often used in the context of witnessing and salvation. However, repentance should be an active part of believers’ life and prayer after salvation. This is why Jesus includes repentance as a part of his model prayer for the disciples.

Repentance is more than asking for forgiveness. It also includes turning away from sin and turning to God. If we say we have repented but live in habitual sin, we have not repented. Because repentance is a vital aspect of our prayer life, and in following with the Lord’s prayer, the next several topics will center on prayers of repentance. Each topic in this section will call for repentance for a common sin. Take the time to honestly consider each topic. As an extra step, ask a close-friend, spouse, or fellow band member what sin they see in your life.

As we focus on witnessing and evangelism, we are boldly calling others to repentance. If we are going to prophetically call for repentance, we must be sure that we also are repenting of our own sins.  

Consider:
  • Have you ever repented of your sins?
  • Is repentance a regular part of your prayer life?
  • When was the last time you admitted you were wrong and apologized?

Prayer Points
  1. Pray that the Spirit would reveal the sins in your life and lead you to repentance.