Have mercy on me, O Lord. Blot out my transgressions … wash away my iniquity … and, cleanse me from my sins. You have had a front row seat to my struggles in overcoming sin. Only You possess the power necessary to release me from the shackles I find myself bound to today. I understand that by Your death and resurrection, the price has been paid to set me free from the power of sin … but, my weak human nature will not allow me to pull away. It saddens me to miss the mark You set for me when I was created. I am embarrassed to admit my rebellious spirit. I know what You expect, yet I choose to disobey anyway. I bear within me a deep and hurtful guilt from saying I am a follower of Yours yet I go off and do my own thing. Though I grieve over my sins, I need Your forgiveness and counseling to help me regain the joy of being set free.
Grant me a willing spirit to sustain me through my struggles in overcoming sin. I know that in sinning I am taking off on my own and what I need is a U-turn to direct me back to You. I must find the road to real repentance where I can turn my back on sin and not follow its allure. I am convinced that sincere repentance will bring with it an internal fire that will help me make better decisions and act differently. My rebellion and guilt leave me feeling powerless to make the changes I need to make. Somehow I cannot find the true sorrow that repulses me from the pull of evil. I need the help only You can provide. For it is in Your strength that I will overcome. My love for You must drive me away from service to Your enemies and bring me into unity with You. Through Your grace, I know that my sins are forgiven, my guilt removed and my joy restored. Praise to You, My Lord!!
I am encouraged by the Scripture which tell me “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” Even though You’ve said this, I still feel like a person justly condemned for repeatedly breaking Your laws. Without You I have no hope. However, by Your life saving gift, I’ve been declared not guilty and I’ve been freed from the power of sin so I can do Your will. Your Holy Spirit is the power and force behind every new birth of a Christian. He is the One who gives me the power, conviction and perseverance I need to live a righteous life. Your sacrifice calls for me to change and You make that possible as I learn to cooperate with the Holy Spirit. The more I try to change myself, the more I face failure. The more I seek the Spirit, the more I find true freedom. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
Romans 8:13-14 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but, if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live because those who are led of the Spirit of God are sons of God.