Repentance

To ‘repent’ means to ‘turn’.  Biblical repentance is simply to turn from anything that is not of God.  I repent from many thoughts and deeds, every day.  I have to constantly ‘bring my thoughts into captivity to Christ’.  

Often we think of repentance as a one-time act.  It is not.  We are to live in repentance, moment by moment, day by day.  Any time we feel ourselves turning away from God, we simply make the choice to repent and turn ourselves – our thoughts and actions – back toward God.  The battle begins in our minds.  Unrepentant thoughts are birthed into sinful actions.  Stop the thought while it is still a thought and you will stop the sin.  

Here are some verses, made into prayers, to help us repent.

Lord, thank You for Your kindness.  I know that’s what makes me even want to repent.  Open my eyes to see how kind and gracious You are to me. (Rom. 2:4)

Father, help me to understand the truth about my situation.  Grant me repentance, which I know is a gift from You.  Wake me up, Lord!  Help me see where my mind, will, and emotions are being held captive by the enemy.  (2 Tim. 2:25-26)

I call on Your name, Lord Jesus – it is the power to save.  I lay hold of every benefit of Your blood:  forgiveness, healing, full payment for my sins, sanctification, and a clean conscience.  May I never trample on what You did for me, or treat Your blood as unholy, or insult Your grace by deliberate acts of sin.  (Acts 2:21; Ps. 103:2-3; Is. 53:3; Heb. 10:22,26-29)

Thank You for Your patience, Lord.  Thank You for Your willingness to see me come to repentance.  Thank You for Your forgiveness, open to and joyful over every prodigal heart. (2 Pet. 3:9; Lk. 15:10-32)

Holy Spirit, thank You that You are with me to convict me of my sin.  Forgive me for the ways I’ve ignored Your voice and quenched and grieved You.  I reject condemnation from the enemy, but I embrace Your conviction.  (Jn. 16:8; Eph. 4:30; 1 Th. 5:19; Ro. 8:1-2)

Father, I repent of my lukewarm state.  Give me eyes to see that I am utterly pitiful – poor, blind, and naked – without you. (Rev. 3:16-19)

Lord God, I confess the sins of my fathers and previous generations that have given Satan access into my life.  I know that I am not bound to continue in these sin patterns.  Because I have died with Christ, I m free to make the right choices, and I am free from sin.  I choose to stop _____ and turn completely in the other direction!  (Ex. 20:5; Eph. 4:27; Ro. 6:6-7, 18)

Lord, give me a balanced perspective on who You are.  I know You are a God of grace, but You are also a consuming fire.  Help me to fear You in a way that leads to wisdom.  Help me grasp the depth of Your love for me.  (Dt. 4:24; 1 Pet. 1:16; Ps. 111:10; Eph. 3:17-19)

Create in my a clean heart, O God.  I long for renewal and for the joy of Your salvation to be restored to me.  Thank You for restoring my soul and for guiding me into pather of righteousness so that Your name is exalted.  Thank You for your gracious promise to make me strong firm, and steadfast.  Let the times of refreshing come, Lord.  (Ps. 51:10; 12:3; 1 Pet. 5:10; Acts 3:19)

Amen, amen, and amen!  Thank you, Jesus!