Now that all the introduction comments have been made, this week we are actually looking at 7 biblical prayers we need to pray for our journey on the road to sexual purity. If you missed those emails or podcasts you can go to the www.180recover.com website to get caught up.
Confession of our sins is something the Bible clearly teaches us to do. We are told this in these two passages;
“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)
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” (James 5:16)
When we have sinned, we grieve and stifle the Holy Spirit. He is the one dwelling in our bodies that has the power to transform us and make us more godly believers. Until we acknowledge that we have sinned and invite Him to fill us again we are more likely to stay in our fallen situation and begin to wallow. This will only cause you to lose ground in your recovery and cause you to have to experience the symptoms of withdrawal again.
Also, we are not confessing our sins to receive the forgiveness God has already given to us. All our sins have been paid for and we have been washed clean. However, acknowledging our sins is our work to be able to be filled again with the Spirit so we can walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the desires of the flesh.
So, I do not want there to be any unconfessed sin in my life that might hinder the work God wants to do in my life today. When we sin and do not confess it there are consequences. Sin builds up a residue in our life, mind and actions. A foothold for evil can be established in your life. Confession of each day’s sins should be done daily even if you do not want to do it. Sometimes it needs to be done as an act of our will and not because we are feeling remorseful. Therefore, I pray…
“Dear Lord, I do not want there to be any unconfessed sin in my life that might hinder your working in me today. So please search me O God and see if there are any wicked ways in me.”
(Wait and listen for the Holy Spirit to show you anything you need to confess. Whatever he brings to mind confess it to Him as sin and thank Him that you are forgiven and cleansed by the blood of Jesus. Do not beat yourself up. Just confess, thank Him for forgiveness and move on.)
“Thank you, Lord, that you paid for my sins on the cross and that I have complete forgiveness in you. For your word says if we confess our sins you are faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”