Posts Tagged Lent

Growing to Please God Through Repentance

 

The Lenten Season is a time of repentance, self-examination, fasting and prayer in preparation for Resurrection Sunday (Easter). “Renewing our sense of who we really are before God is the core of the Lenten experience”. (Pastor Orville K.Littlejohn, my Pastor,) “). Each day we want to search our hearts that we may grow to have the mind of Christ and grow to please God and to be more like Jesus.

So today on the 22nd day of the Lenton Season seek God with a repentant heart (See Joel 2: 12-24) and let us honestly search our hearts (Psalm 139:23-24). Here is an example of a prayer of repentance to help you get started in initiating self-examination , prayer and a spirit of repentance. Then we will examine what is repentance and why it is important to our prayer lives and our relationship with God.

A Prayer of Repentance
Lord, I come humbly before You and ask you to cleanse my heart of my every sin. “Have mercy on me O, Lord according to your loving kindness and blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly of my iniquity and cleanse me of all of my sin. (Psalm 51:1-2) Lord create in me a clean heart. Please Lord renew a right spirit within me (Psalm 51:10-11). Forgive me for thoughts I have had, words I have spoken and things that I have done that are not pleasing in your sight and do not glorify you. Father, forgive me I pray for my sins of_______(state them)________________________. I confess it is a sin and truly repent of these acts, words and thoughts. ( 1 John 1:9; Psalm 32:5 Proverbs 28:13, Psalm 51:6, 10). Lord search the inwards hidden places of my heart and reveal my sin to me that I may not see. (Psalm 139: 23-24). I seek to repent of everything that You show me Lord. I confess my sins to you in the full realization that you are faithful and just to forgive me of all my sins and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness.( 1John 1:9) I know that my sins are against You and You only. Grant me a broken, willing spirit and a contrite heart so I can offer it to You (Psalm 51:1-4, Psalm. 51:12, Psalm 51:17).

Thank you Father. I desire to obey your commandments and statutes. I choose to stop my sinful ways and to turn to walk upright. Help me, Lord God to bring forth fruits that are worthy of repentance (Luke 3:8). Lord I want to live a righteous, pure and holy life through your power (Colossians 1:11). I am determined to walk in the Spirit and in your ways and walk away from my sins by the power of the Holy Ghost. Grant me a godly sorrow that is not just full of regret because of the consequences of sin but sorrow that leads to true repentance (2 Corinthians 7:9-10). Lord give me a tender heart that is sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit and the conviction of sin. Holy Spirit, thank You for convicting me of my sin. Forgive me for the ways I’ve ignored Your voice and quenched and grieved You. (John 16:8; Ephesians. 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; Romans. 8:1-2). Lord I praise you, Father, for your goodness that leads to repentance (Romans 2:4). Lord thank you for restoring my soul so that the times of refreshing my come (Acts 3:19). Amen.

It is important to note that a repentant heart is not limited to a special season or time of the year. If we want to have effective prayer lives which bring forth life transformation and healing of the land, repentance must become a part of our lifestyle. Despite the benefits of repentance, we are resistant to the thought of repentance. Repentance isn’t a popular word. Our culture encourages us to do whatever we want when we want. TV, music videos and movies very rarely show the consequences of our sins.

It is one thing to know that you have done something that is wrong . But it is another to be saddened and sorrowful about your actions and determine that you will turn away from that sin and never do the act again. To repent “I” or “we” must come to terms with and acknowledge that we have sinned and then turn away from such sinful behavior and be reconciled back to our loving Lord. Therefore, repentance is a change of mind that involves both a turning from sin and turning to God. Christ began his ministry with a call to repentance. (Mathew. 4:17). We must examine every attitude, every motive, every action and ever word of evil. Repentance means that you are deeply godly sorrowful and hurt about what you have done unto the Lord and that you are determined to do all that you can not to commit that sin again. “Repentance means we are sorry about our sin to the point of grief, and we have turned and walked away from it”. Stormie Omartian, “The Power of a Praying Woman” p. 40, Harvest House Publishers,(2002).

Join us for the remainder of the  40 Day Prayer Journey “Growing by the Power Within to Please God: Repenting for a Renewed Relationship With God”. Philippians 2:13.

The daily prayer points in this guide begin with stated scriptures applicable to the focus of the day. You are invited to seek God’s face to enable you to grow in the actions and thoughts that please God. You want to confess, repent and turn from actions and thoughts that grieve the Lord.
During the Forty Day Prayer Journey daily read the suggested scriptures. Meditate on the Word asking the Holy Spirit to speak to you and reveal in your heart how He wants you to respond personally and on behalf of your church or city. This is an opportunity for personal repentance. Ask the Lord to search your heart for thoughts and actions that are sinful. (Psalm 139:23-24) Allow the Lord to examine your life thoroughly.

Use a journal to write down what the Holy Spirit downloads in your heart.

DAY 22 – March 27- “Growing to Please God by Walking in Faith”

Scriptures: Matthew 21: 21-22; Mark 11:22-24; James 5: 14-16

Pray:

  • Pray for God’s healing touch to be upon the sick in the community.
    • Praise God for being trustworthy and that His Word will not return void.
    • Ask God to give you the wisdom and will to increase your faith and to walk by faith.
    • Thank God for His willingness to hear and answer the prayers you bring to Him in faith.
    • Confess any lack of faith you may discover of yourself.
    • For God to rise up men and women of integrity, faith and love to places of spiritual authority throughout the church and the city.
    • Pray for the Youth- For people in their teens to radically commit their lives in Christ; to make wise choices; for older mentor; for solid friendships with their peers who are following Jesus; for open communication with parents; for God’s intentions for their generation to come forth in fullness measure.

DAY 23 – March 28- “Growing to Please God by Walking Together In Unity”

Scriptures: Psalm 133; John 17; Ephesians 4:1-6

Pray:

  • Pray that you, your church and congregations over the city would grow in the unity of the Spirit, love, peace, and purpose so that the world might see the power of God manifested when the church comes together in the love of Christ.
    • Pray that petty differences, ambitions and pride would be laid down for the sake of reflecting the purposes and character of Christ.
    • Pray that all divisions, dissentions and disagreements that keep churches from walking together as the body of Christ cease and that forgiveness occurs.
    • Pray for the heartbroken and lonely.
    • Pray for those who are grieving because of death, divorce or lost.
    • Pray that the Holy Spirit will convict unsaved persons you know (name them), bringing them to repentance and faith and guiding them into all truth.
    • Pray for forgiveness where the body of Christ has failed to walk together. Pray that by the power of the Holy Ghost that the body of Christ will be enabled and empowered to walk in the unity of the Spirit and in the bond of peace.
    • .

DAY 24 – March 29 – “Growing to Please God by Walking Together In the Body”

Scriptures: Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:7-16

Pray:

  • Pray for every member of the body of Christ to discover our place and come into proper relationship with the other members within your church home and in other congregations.
    • Pray for each member to walk faithfully in God’s gifting and calling to build up others.
    • Pray for each member within the body to accept, honor, and work together purposefully and in harmony with various parts of the body at Messiah or where God has joined us through the local congregation.
    • Confess and ask God for forgiveness if you are guilty of withholding fellowship from those that are unlike you in personality, ethnic origin, or gifting within the body of Christ.
    • Pray for those who have suffered calamity or crisis in their families. Pray that peace and unity bind affected families together in love.
    • Pray for missionaries. Pray that God will provide favor, protection, resources and laborers.
    • Pray that family members and friends will be a source of joy and blessing to each other.
    • Pray that Christ’s life might be expressed freely through the body, properly functioning together in love.
    • .

DAY 25 – March 30- Growing to Please God by Pursuing Reconciliation in Truth and Love

Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 5:12; Ephesians 2:16-18; Colossians 1:19-23

Pray:

  • Pray for believers throughout our city to be burdened with Christ’s compelling love to be reconciled to one another.
    • Pray that you be reconciled with anyone with whom you have had an argument or disagreement that keeps you separated from in the body of Christ or in the world.
    • Pray for truth and love to cause individuals and congregations throughout the city to pursue reconciliation with those from whom they are separated or with whom they have suffered a break in relationship.
    • Pray that the enemy of unity who works division by accusing brother against brother would be defeated by the power of love permeating throughout the church.
    • Pray that your children and the children of the community will grow up in the training
    and instruction of the Lord and will learn to walk in His ways.
    • Pray for the church leaders. Pray that they will serve faithfully, humbly and with wisdom.
    • Pray for Prisoner
    • Pray that unsaved families, friends, and neighbors will hear the Word, receive it and respond in faith.

DAY 26 – March 31- “Growing to Please God by Pursuing Genuine Relationships through Fellowship”

Scriptures: Acts 2: 42-47; Galatians 2:1-10; Philippians 2:1-4

Pray:

  • Intercede for the body of Christ to continue steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayer.
    • Repent of declaring love for God while not living in love with brothers and sisters in the Lord.
    • Pray that the church have a fresh conviction and commitment that brings them to pursue different relationships with those who are different from us in culture, race, ethnicity, and socio-economics.
    • Praise God that He is a God of fellowship and communion and, as a good Father, He loves to draw His children together.
    • Pray for persons with low self-esteem and those who feel unloved. Pray that they receive help of the Lord to trust in His unfailing love, to accept that love, and to abide in that love.
    • Pray for the unemployed. Pray that God will meet the needs of those without work in a way that they can thank God for the provision; that they will soon find meaningful employment and glorify God for it. Pray for resources, family and social support, and encouragement.
    • Pray that members of Messiah will lovingly bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.
    • Pray for marriages. Pray for those that are strained and that God will bring forgiveness, help and healing; that He will heal broken hearts and restore intimacy.
    • Pray for the City Council. Pray that they will operate in integrity and wisdom.

DAY 27 – April 1- “Growing to Please God by Forgiving”

Scriptures: Mark 11:25-26; Ephesians 4:31-32; Colossians 3:12-17

Pray:

  • Repent of not forgiving those who have sinned against you and of walking in pride, superiority or opposition to others in the body of Christ.
    • Pray that members of your church and yourself practice forgiveness, demonstrating the grace we each have received in Christ Jesus our Lord.
    • Pray that you will grow in the knowledge of God’s Word for every aspect of your life.
    • For God to rise up men and women of integrity, faith and love to places of spiritual authority throughout the church and the city.
    • Pray for persons who feel rejected. Pray that they will know that the Lord will never forsake them and that He loves them.
    • Pray for our nation and its leaders that they my rule with honor and wisdom and that wickedness in the leaders will be hindered so that all may lead quiet and peaceable lives.
    • Pray for elderly persons. Pray that God’s strength and peace would be poured out on every one who is advanced in years. That they may be honored; that they may be cared for; that they may live to see their prayers answered; that loneliness be banished in lasting friendships and family bonds; that meaningful service be found.
    • Pray for Women- that women will be honored in their unique glory as those created by God;that injustice of every kind toward women will cease; for pornography to be stopped; for protection from sexual violence; that single women would lay hold of the hope of great joy and purpose for God’s glory.

By Linda Fegins, The Prayer Leader.

 

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Love on the First Day of Lent

 

Happy Love Day to all. Remember Love Never Takes a Holiday. Remember to Love God, love your neighbor and love one another. John 13:34-35, God is love. Please pray for marriages, relationships and families.

Today is also is Ash Wednesday and the 1st day of Lent. Lent is a time when we should evaluate and reflect on our love for God in how we love Him by obeying His Word, love others and walk in love.

The Lenten Season (February 14 to March 30) is a time of repentance, self-examination, fasting and prayer in preparation for Resurrection Sunday (Easter). “Renewing our sense of who we really are before God is the core of the Lenten experience”. (Pastor Orville K. Littlejohn, my Pastor, “Our Focus for Ash Wednesday”). So today seek God with a repentant heart (See Joel 2: 12-24) and let us honestly search our hearts (Psalm 139:23-24)

Meditate on the scriptures listed below and pray the focus points and what the Holy Ghost places on your heart.

Prayer Focus for February 14, 2018
– February 14- Repentance and Loving God

Scriptures: Deut. 6:1-9 Matt. 22:34-40 Psalm 139:23 Psalm 51 Psalm 66:18-19

Repent: Of not loving God with all of your heart, soul, and mind and of allowing other things to fill and occupy our lives.

Meditate, pray, and write down other areas for which you should repent.

Reflect on what way you want to improve your prayer life and to deepen your friendship with God.

Pray:
• For Christ to bring people near enough to God to experience the Father’s loving delight in His Son for people to love and follow Jesus.
• Pray for forgiveness for what you have done to others and how you have failed to obey God and to forgive others who have wounded you.
• For household salvation for friends and family.
• It is Christ’s eager desire that you know God by drawing near to Him. Open your life to God. Accept His invitation. He’s summoning you to seek His face.
• Pray for MEN – Pray that men will seek God and honor Him with an integrity that unites their lives in faithfulness, wisdom, and truth; that their vision of masculinity would be a Christ-like servant leadership in the family, church and world.
• Pray for God to strengthen your prayer life and deepen your relationship with him.
• Ask God to fill you with joy in his presence.
• Intercede for the church in our community to be filled with fresh love for God and to demonstrate His love to those around us-both in the church and among those who do not yet know Christ.

 

It is important to note that a repentant heart is not limited to a special season or time of the year. If we want to have effective prayer lives which bring forth life transformation and healing of the land, repentance must become a part of our lifestyle. Despite the benefits of repentance, we are resistant to the thought of repentance. Repentance isn’t a popular word. Our culture encourages us to do whatever we want when we want. TV, music videos and movies very rarely show the consequences of our sins.

It is one thing to know that you have done something that is wrong. But it is another to be saddened and sorrowful about your actions and determine that you will turn away from that sin and never do the act again. To repent “I” or “we” must come to terms with and acknowledge that we have sinned and then turn away from such sinful behavior and be reconciled back to our loving Lord. Therefore, repentance is a change of mind that involves both a turning from sin and turning to God. Christ began his ministry with a call to repentance. (Mathew. 4:17). We must examine every attitude, every motive, every action and ever word of evil. Repentance means that you are deeply godly sorrowful and hurt about what you have done unto the Lord and that you are determined to do all that you can not to commit that sin again. “Repentance means we are sorry about our sin to the point of grief, and we have turned and walked away from it”. Stormie Omartian, “The Power of a Praying Woman” p. 40, Harvest House Publishers, (2002).

By Linda Fegins, The Prayer Leader. ldfaygo@gmail.com

 

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Day 2 and 3 of the 40 Day Prayer of Lent

 

As mentioned yesterday on Day 1 of Lent, pursuing God during the Lenten Season in a 40 Day Prayer Journey by Grace for Life Transformation involves fasting and praying and a word we don’t like “repentance. It is His design for healing and restoration, so we cannot view it as optional during this journey.  See Day 1 Repentance and the Lenten Season to see what repentance means. https://ladyofprayer.com/repentance-os/  . I shared that repentance means to change your mind and to be determined not to do the sin again. It means to turn and walk the other way from sinful acts and thoughts. Even if it’s uncomfortable, even painful, if we are honest, continue to take the time to reflect and examine our lives and see how we measure up to His standard of repentance. You may even need to just meditate on and review the scriptures from yesterday posted in the above article.

“Now turn to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping and with mourning. So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm…”Joel 2:12-14 NKJV

Did you write your prayer of repentance yesterday? Did you take time to be honest before the Lord about your life, your relationship with God through Jesus Christ and your prayer life? Did you confess your sin and ask him to forgive you?

Ask Him to teach you to pray. Ask God to give you strength and discipline to increase your prayer life, to deepen your relationship and friendship with God to enable you to rise in the spiritual things of God. Sit still before the Lord and listen. Let the Lord know you are listening and you are sincerely seeking His face. Psalm 42: 1-2.

Meditate on these scriptures for Day 2 and Day 3 of  the 40 Day Prayer Journey until Resurrection Sunday.

DAY 2- February 11th – Repenting For A Renewed Relationship With God
Scriptures: Job 42:1-6; Isaiah 58:1-6 2 Chronicles 7:12-16; Hebrews 11:6

Repent: Of __________________________________________.
Meditate, pray, and write down areas for which you should repent.

Reflect: On repentance, what you want to release in your life and on what steps you need to take to improve your prayer life and to deepen your relationship with God.

Pray:
• Pray that the message of repentance will penetrate your heart and the members of your church, your community and the world.
• Pray that leaders will walk in true humility and a deep reverence for the Lord.
• Pray for MEN – Pray that men will seek God and honor Him with an integrity that unites their lives in faithfulness, wisdom, and truth; that their vision of masculinity would be a Christ-like servant leadership in the family, church and world.
• Pray for God to strengthen your prayer life and deepen your relationship with Him.
• Pray for the President of the United States, President Obama and his family.
Pray what the Holy Spirit leads you to pray.

DAY 3 – March 3 – Seeking the Lord with a Clean Heart
Scriptures: Deut. 4:39-40; 2 Chron. 7:12-16 ;Heb. 11:6 ;Psalm 66: 18-19 ;Mark 11: 25-26

Repent: Of not consistently seeking after the Lord to know Him, His ways, and His will. Repent of seeking after the ways and approval of man.
Repent: Of failing to forgive another and holding malice in your heart. Or repent if you know that you have offended or hurt someone.

Reflect: Is there any area in your life about which you need to release bitterness, or have refused to forgive someone or sinful areas which you need to release.
Receive: Forgiveness and ask for a sincere and diligent heart to know the Lord, to see His face and to walk like Jesus.
Pray:
• Ask God to search your heart and to reveal to you any sin for which you need to seek forgiveness.
• For a deeper prayer relationship with Christ through prayer.
• Pray for your enemies and ask God to release you from any unforgiveness.
• Confess any sin that the Spirit brings to your attention.
• Forgive and pray for those who have offended you and hurt you
• Thank God for His mercy and grace through repentance.
• Ask God to give you a fresh understanding of His character and His holiness.
• Intercede for family members, friends and neighbors that they may began to seek to know God and have a desire to walk and talk with Him.
• Pray for the community and your city to turn from wicked ways and to seek the Lord.
• Pray for those who are unemployed and those burdened by debt.
.

By Linda, The Prayer Leader

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40 Day Prayer Journey Days 8-11

40Days Fasting 2014 header

This is the 8th day of Lent on this 40 Day Prayer Journey. The Lenten Season (February 18 to April 4, 2015) is a time of repentance, self-examination, fasting and prayer in preparation for Resurrection Sunday (Easter). You may see the prior post. Hopefully each of you will join me in this 40 Day Prayer Journey. Step into this forty (40) day prayer journey and adventure of repenting and praying toward the desires and promises of God to enable us to grow in our spiritual walk.

United prayer can bring powerful results. Pray with purpose, biblical promise and passion. Let’s all continue with one accord in prayer and supplication (Acts 1:14a) during this Lenten season.

Scripture makes prayer a priority of the church. The Lord said “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples”. (Isaiah 56:7 RSV).

Love and pray fervently,
Linda Fegins

What follows is a suggested format for the journey. You may need to modify it to fit your schedule or medical restrictions. You are encouraged to use a journal or notebook to write your reflections, what the Lord is speaking to you, your prayers and/or prayer requests.

During the Forty Day Prayer Journey it is suggested that you:
1. Fast at least one day per week preferably Wednesday (see information on fasting included in this packet). Alternatively, you can fast a food or activity the entire Lenten season. See Fast Guidelines.
2. Select a Prayer Partner or two (Triplett) to pray together at least once a week as you determine for your schedule.
3. Daily pray the intercessory daily prayer focus and prayer points for that date. Read the Bible and the scriptures.
4. Read the scriptures listed in the daily prayer focus. Answer the questions in your journal if there are any for that day and write down your reflections. Meditate on the Word each day.
5. Make an entry in your journal each day or as led by the Holy Spirit. Make sure you the complete the “Something to Act On” exercise section where it appears from time to time in the daily prayer focus.
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40 Day Prayer Journey

DAY 8 – February 25 Love the Lord With All Your Heart

Scriptures: Deuteronomy 6:1-9; Matthew 22: 34-40

Repent: Of not loving God with all your heart, soul and mind; of allowing other things to fill and occupy your life.

Pray:
• Ask God to search your heart and to reveal to you any sin for which you need to seek forgiveness.
• Intercede for your church and the churches in our community to be filled with fresh love for God and to demonstrate the love to others.
• Pray that the love of Christ will compel believers everywhere to share the gospel with others in love.
• Ask God to give you clarity about your purpose.
• Pray for a deeper relationship with Christ through prayer and to help you pray consistently.
• Pray for Youth – Psalm 144:12 – that they will commit themselves to Christ; for moral strength to choose wisely; for older mentors; for friendships with those who are following Jesus, for good relationships and open communication with parents.

 Something to Act On: Write down all the ways you can that show the Lord that you love Him with all your heart.

DAY 9 – February 26 Seek the Lord With All Our Heart

Scriptures: Deut. 4:39-40; Heb. 11:6

Repent: Of not consistently seeking after the Lord to know Him, His ways, and His will. Repent of seeking after the ways and approval of man.

Pray:
• Ask God to search your heart and to reveal to you any sin for which you need to seek forgiveness.
• Intercede for family members, friends and neighbors that they may began to seek to know God and have a desire to walk and talk with Him.
• Pray for a deeper relationship with Christ through prayer and to help you pray consistently.
• Pray for Families Gen. 28:14 – For God centered relationships among family members; for families broken by divorce to be healed; that Christ’s forgiveness would occur among family members; that parents will teach their children in God’s ways of living and that families would pray together.
• Pray for the community and our city to turn from wicked ways and to seek the Lord
• Pray for those who are unemployed and those burdened by debt.

 Something to Act On: Write down what you want to lay aside and to stop doing. Now write what spiritual things you want to rise toward thinking and walking in to please God and to be more like Jesus.

DAY 10 – February 27 Maintain a Clean Heart

Scripture: Psalm 66:18-19; Mark 11:25-26

Repent: Of failing to forgive another and holding malice in your heart. Or repent if you know that you have offended or hurt someone.

Reflect: Is there any area in your life about which you need to release bitterness, or have refused to forgive someone or sinful areas which you need to release.

Pray:
• Pray for your enemies and ask God to release you from any unforgiveness.
• Confess any sin that the Spirit brings to your attention.
• Ask God to search your heart and life and to reveal to you any sin you may need to deal with.
• Ask God for spiritual blessings, for ministry opportunities and empowerment for service.
• Pray that the gospel may reach, touch and renew the hearts and minds of people without hope in our world today.
• Forgive and pray for those who have offended you and hurt you.
• Pray that your church and the churches of the city be filled with a love for the Word of God and to receive the Word with joy.
• Ethnic Communities: Psalm 22:27 – that God would bring racial harmony; that long standing offenses may be healed by the forgiveness which begins in Jesus; that Christians show honor and act in Christ’s reconciling power; that many churches would demonstrate the redemptive purpose of God in the beauty of the distinctive languages and cultures.
• Pray for President Obama and his family.

 Something to Act On: Meditate upon the scriptures for today. Now write down the names of persons you need to forgive. Ask yourself what role you played in the matter and confess that you had a part in creating the disagreement. Ask God to forgive you. Pray for each of the persons you named.

DAY 11 – February 28 Wait on the Lord

Scriptures: Psalm 62; 2Thess. 1:2-10

Repent: Of anxiety and impatience; of activity born of the flesh to make something happen and not born of the Spirit unto faith; of looking to anyone or anything else for what only God can supply; and of trusting human strength.

Pray:
• Pray for forgiveness and a fresh leading by the Holy Spirit to patiently wait on the Lord.
• Pray for the church and yourself to be still and know that the Lord is God and that He will be exalted among the nations.
• Pray for yourself or _____ to trust fully in the Lord knowing that He knows the times and the seasons and is able to accomplish that which concerns you today.
• Ask God to bring deep conviction of sin, spiritual brokenness, a holy fear of God and genuine repentance among His people. (2 Corinthians 7:10).
• Pray for unity and cooperation among the ministries and leaders.
• Pray for Michigan leaders and Governor Snyder.
• Sick People: For God’s healing touch to be upon the sick of the community; that they will be comforted; that they will grow in character as God walks them through the ordeal; that God will provide for their financial needs; for their care givers.

 Something to Act On: Meditate on the scripture. Write down what you need to put in the hands of God and wait on the Lord for an answer to enable you to rise to the spiritual ways of the Lord rather than you acting in your flesh.

Linda Fegins, “The Prayer Leader” serves as prayer leader and teacher/trainer on the “Prayer Boot Camp” with the Global Missions Prayer Force and as a guest intercessor and volunteer for Girlfriends Pray a global prayer ministry. She served as Prayer Coordinator for over 13 years( later Director over the Prayer Ministry) for the Lydia Circle Christian Business and Professional Women. As part of the Lydia Circle she has lead over a dozen prayer boot camps, and has lead prayer services and workshops in the Bahamas and in South Africa and was on the prayer team of a medical missions trips to Jamaica under the leadership of Rev. Jackie McCullough. She is also a member of the National Church Prayer Leaders Network and serves as the Prayer Leader of the Intercessory Prayer Ministry of her church.

• Confess the ways that you have been complacent about sin and not appalled that His Holy name is defiled.
• Confess any sin that the Spirit brings to your attention.
• Ask God to reveal to you a new understanding of repentance and His holiness.
• Express to the Lord your desire to repent for the sake of His holy name.
• Ask God to search your heart and life and to reveal to you any sin you may need to deal with.
• Repentance means to change your mind and be determined not to do the sin again. It means to turn and walk the other way and that we are sorry about our sin to the point of grief. Ask God to open your eyes, ears and heart to feel real sadness and sorrow about your sin and to turn your heart and mind to repent. Thank Him for the gift of repentance.
• Pray for God to strengthen your prayer life and deepen your relationship with Him.
• Pray for your Pastor and His family.

 Something to Act On: Write your own prayer of repentance to the Lord.

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Repent to Obtain A Renewed Relationship With God

49 days index

The Lenten Season (February 18 to April 4) is a time to repent, of self-examination, fasting and prayer in preparation for Resurrection Sunday (Easter). Renewing your sense of who you really are before God is the core of the Lenten experience and repenting of your sins. Today seek God with a repentant heart (See Joel 2: 12-24) and honestly search your heart (Psalm 139:23-24). As you pray through the 40 Days of Prayer Journey allow the Lord to examine your life thoroughly (daily post this month).

Resist the tendency to deny the need to repent and be cleansed of the Lord. Be transparent with the Lord. God offers so many wonderful results of repentance, including healing, restoring, freedom, joy and reconciliation. In Acts 3:19 the call to repentance brings hope and renewal: “Repent, then, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord”.

repentance

It is important to note that a repentant heart is not limited to a special season or time of the year. If we want to have effective prayer lives which bring forth life transformation and healing of the land, repentance must become a part of our lifestyle.

It is one thing to know that you have done something that is wrong. But it is another to be saddened and sorrowful about your actions and determine that you will turn away from that sin and never do the act again. To repent “I” or “we” must come to terms with and acknowledge that we have sinned and then turn away from such sinful behavior and be reconciled back to our loving Lord. Therefore, repentance is a change of mind that involves both a turning from sin and turning to God. Christ began his ministry with a call to repentance. (Mathew. 4:17).

We must examine every attitude, every motive, every action and ever word of evil. Repentance means that you are deeply godly sorrowful and hurt about what you have done unto the Lord and that you are determined to do all that you can not to commit that sin again. “Repentance means we are sorry about our sin to the point of grief, and we have turned and walked away from it”. Stormie Omartian, “The Power of a Praying Woman” p. 40, Harvest House Publishers, (2002).

Before we can truly repent we must admit our sins and tell them to God. Confession means we recognize we have done wrong and admit it. We cannot hide from God no matter how we try. God knows what “I” have done and wants “me and you” to know and admit in detail what “I” have done. Dick Eastman, in “The Hour That Changes the World”, says, “Confession is a heartfelt recognition of what we are. It is important to God because it indicates that we take seriously our mistakes and failures. Of course, God does not ask us to confess our sins because He needs to know we have sinned, but because He knows that we need to know we have sinned”. Dick Eastman, “The Hour That Changes the World”,p.42 , Baker Book House, (1999). If we do not confess our sins one consequence is that our prayer life will suffer as God will not hear our prayers if we have iniquity in our hearts (Psalm 66:18).

God offers many wonderful results of repentance, including healing, restoring, freedom, joy and reconciliation. In Acts 3:19 the call to repentance invites you to “repent, then turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord”.

Here is an example of a prayer of repentance to help you get started in initiating self-examination , prayer and a spirit of repentance.

turn-around

Prayer of Repentance

Lord, I come humbly before You and ask you to cleanse my heart of my every sin. “Have mercy on me O, Lord according to your loving kindness and blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly of my iniquity and cleanse me of all of my sin. (Psalm 51:1-2) Lord create in me a clean heart. Please Lord renew a right spirit within me (Psalm 51:10-11). Forgive me for thoughts I have had, words I have spoken and things that I have done that are not pleasing in your sight and do not glorify you. Father, forgive me I pray for my sins of_______(state them)________________________. I confess it is a sin and truly repent of these acts, words and thoughts. ( 1 John 1:9; Psalm 32:5 Proverbs 28:13, Psalm 51:6, 10). Lord search the inwards hidden places of my heart and reveal my sin to me that I may not see. (Psalm 139: 23-24). I seek to repent of everything that You show me Lord. I confess my sins to you in the full realization that you are faithful and just to forgive me of all my sins and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness.( 1John 1:9) I know that my sins are against You and You only. Grant me a broken, willing spirit and a contrite heart so I can offer it to You (Psalm 51:1-4, Psalm. 51:12, Psalm 51:17).

Thank you Father. I desire to obey your commandments and statutes. I choose to stop my sinful ways and to turn to walk upright. Help me, Lord God to bring forth fruits that are worthy of repentance (Luke 3:8). Lord I want to live a righteous, pure and holy life through your power (Colossians 1:11). I am determined to walk in the Spirit and in your ways and walk away from my sins by the power of the Holy Ghost. Grant me a godly sorrow that is not just full of regret because of the consequences of sin but sorrow that leads to true repentance (2 Corinthians 7:9-10). Lord give me a tender heart that is sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit and the conviction of sin. Holy Spirit, thank You for convicting me of my sin. Forgive me for the ways I’ve ignored Your voice and quenched and grieved You. (John 16:8; Ephesians. 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; Romans. 8:1-2). Lord I praise you, Father, for your goodness that leads to repentance (Romans 2:4). Lord thank you for restoring my soul so that the times of refreshing my come (Acts 3:19). Amen

So that you can begin the process of self-examination through prayer, confession, and study of the Word that leads to repentance the following action steps are suggested:

Action Steps:
1. During the Lenten season I want to encourage you to join this or a 40 day Prayer Journey even if you are beginning at day 7 or whatever day. Just begin where you are. Determine to spend quality time with the Lover(God) of your soul every day. Decide to start out with half an hour and increase it slowly. Be diligent, consistent and be faithful. We can never grow or develop an intimate relationship with God unless we spend quality time with Him.
2. Confess any sin you may be guilty of against man and God. Ask God to search you and reveal any unconfessed sin to you daily.
3. Say or write a prayer of repentance out of your heart. Above is an example of a prayer of repentance. Your prayer need not be perfect, but sincere, sorrowful and heartfelt.
4. Have a journal. God has so much to speak into your life. It may not happen overnight if you haven’t been praying on a consistent basis. But remember He is right there. Don’t give up.
5. Leave a prayer request or comment.

Linda Fegins, “The Prayer Leader” serves as prayer leader and teacher/trainer with the Global Missions Prayer Force and as a guest intercessor and volunteer for Girlfriends Pray a global prayer ministry. She has served as Prayer Coordinator for over 13 years( later Director over the Prayer Ministry) for the Lydia Circle Christian Business and Professional Women. As part of the Lydia Circle she has lead over 8 prayer boot camps, and has lead prayer services and workshops in the Bahamas and in South Africa and was on the prayer team of a medical missions trips to Jamaica under the leadership of Rev.Jackie McCullough. She is also a member of the National Church Prayer Leaders Network and serves as the Prayer Leader of the Intercessory Prayer Team of her church.

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Reflection and Repentance During the Lenten Season

repentance

The Lenten Season (February 13 to March 30) is a time of repentance, self-examination, fasting and prayer in preparation for Resurrection Sunday (Easter). “Renewing our sense of who we really are before God is the core of the Lenten experience”. (Pastor Orville K.Littlejohn, my Pastor, “Our Focus for Ash Wednesday”). So today seek God with a repentant heart (See Joel 2: 12-24) and let us honestly search our hearts (Psalm 139:23-24). Here is an example of a prayer of repentance to help you get started in initiating self-examination , prayer and a spirit of repentance. Then we will examine what is repentance and why it is important to our prayer lives and our relationship with God. Tomorrow we will discuss fasting and prayer components that are involved in the Lenten Season. But for now let’s get our hearts and minds right.

<strong>A Prayer of Repentance>
Lord, I come humbly before You and ask you to cleanse my heart of my every sin. “Have mercy on me O, Lord according to your loving kindness and blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly of my iniquity and cleanse me of all of my sin. (Psalm 51:1-2) Lord create in me a clean heart. Please Lord renew a right spirit within me (Psalm 51:10-11). Forgive me for thoughts I have had, words I have spoken and things that I have done that are not pleasing in your sight and do not glorify you. Father, forgive me I pray for my sins of_______(state them)________________________. I confess it is a sin and truly repent of these acts, words and thoughts. ( 1 John 1:9; Psalm 32:5 Proverbs 28:13, Psalm 51:6, 10). Lord search the inwards hidden places of my heart and reveal my sin to me that I may not see. (Psalm 139: 23-24). I seek to repent of everything that You show me Lord. I confess my sins to you in the full realization that you are faithful and just to forgive me of all my sins and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness.( 1John 1:9) I know that my sins are against You and You only. Grant me a broken, willing spirit and a contrite heart so I can offer it to You (Psalm 51:1-4, Psalm. 51:12, Psalm 51:17).

Thank you Father. I desire to obey your commandments and statutes. I choose to stop my sinful ways and to turn to walk upright. Help me, Lord God to bring forth fruits that are worthy of repentance (Luke 3:8). Lord I want to live a righteous, pure and holy life through your power (Colossians 1:11). I am determined to walk in the Spirit and in your ways and walk away from my sins by the power of the Holy Ghost. Grant me a godly sorrow that is not just full of regret because of the consequences of sin but sorrow that leads to true repentance (2 Corinthians 7:9-10). Lord give me a tender heart that is sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit and the conviction of sin. Holy Spirit, thank You for convicting me of my sin. Forgive me for the ways I’ve ignored Your voice and quenched and grieved You. (John 16:8; Ephesians. 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; Romans. 8:1-2). Lord I praise you, Father, for your goodness that leads to repentance (Romans 2:4). Lord thank you for restoring my soul so that the times of refreshing my come (Acts 3:19). Amen.

It is important to note that a repentant heart is not limited to a special season or time of the year. If we want to have effective prayer lives which bring forth life transformation and healing of the land, repentance must become a part of our lifestyle. Despite the benefits of repentance, we are resistant to the thought of repentance. Repentance isn’t a popular word. Our culture encourages us to do whatever we want when we want. TV, music videos and movies very rarely show the consequences of our sins.

It is one thing to know that you have done something that is wrong . But it is another to be saddened and sorrowful about your actions and determine that you will turn away from that sin and never do the act again. To repent “I” or “we” must come to terms with and acknowledge that we have sinned and then turn away from such sinful behavior and be reconciled back to our loving Lord. Therefore, repentance is a change of mind that involves both a turning from sin and turning to God. Christ began his ministry with a call to repentance. (Mathew. 4:17). We must examine every attitude, every motive, every action and ever word of evil. Repentance means that you are deeply godly sorrowful and hurt about what you have done unto the Lord and that you are determined to do all that you can not to commit that sin again. “Repentance means we are sorry about our sin to the point of grief, and we have turned and walked away from it”. Stormie Omartian, “The Power of a Praying Woman” p. 40, Harvest House Publishers,(2002).

Meditate on the scriptures listed below and pray the focus points and what the Holy Ghost places on your heart.

Prayer Focus for February 14, 2013
– February 14- Repentance and Loving God

Scriptures: Deut. 6:1-9 Matt. 22:34-40 Psalm 139:23 Psalm 51 Psalm 66:18-19

Repent: Of not loving God with all of your heart, soul, and mind and of allowing other things to fill and occupy our lives.

Meditate, pray, and write down other areas for which you should repent.

Reflect on what way you want to improve your prayer life and to deepen your friendship with God.

Pray:
• For Christ to bring people near enough to God to experience the Father’s loving delight in His Son for people to love and follow Jesus.
• Pray for forgiveness for what you have done to others and how you have failed to obey God and to forgive others who have wounded you.
• For household salvation for friends and family.
• It is Christ’s eager desire that you know God by drawing near to Him. Open your life to God. Accept His invitation. He’s summoning you to seek His face.
• Pray for MEN – Pray that men will seek God and honor Him with an integrity that unites their lives in faithfulness, wisdom, and truth; that their vision of masculinity would be a Christ-like servant leadership in the family, church and world.
• Pray for God to strengthen your prayer life and deepen your relationship with him.
• Ask God to fill you with joy in his presence.
• Intercede for the church in our community to be filled with fresh love for God and to demonstrate His love to those around us-both in the church and among those who do not yet know Christ.

by Linda Fegins, The Prayer Leader

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