thoughts out !oud

a Christian’s news, views, opinions and occasional poetry …

A Sinner’s prayer

I believe in the power of prayer and it’s vital place in the heart of a believer and follower of Jesus.

If, through anything you have read here or elsewhere (and consequently find yourself here), I would like to invite you to take the opportunity to express your desire to know God by reciting the prayer below.

This prayer is not my own - it belongs to all people who have come to a realisation that this world is not the world that it should be and to those who recognise and acknowledge that they as individuals are also not as they should be. It is for those who know that there is a deep emptiness inside of them; for those who know that they are not perfect and not without fault; and most importantly, it is for those whose wish is to bathe in the peace that is God’s forgiving and redemptive glory.

If you have reached a state where your heart is yearning for such a peace, please pray this prayer now - in whatever manner suits you - either by standing, kneeling, lying prostrate or sitting quietly in a still room.

Father, I acknowledge that you are the one true God; that all of heaven and earth was created by your hand. That you, and you alone are worthy of worship.

As you are a God of great love, I confess to you that I have lived my life in sin and have sinned against you. Lord, I ask for your forgiveness and thank you for your mercy and love in my life.

Father, thank you for your son Jesus, by whose life, death and resurrection I am able to be cleansed free of sin; I accept his sacrifice; I open my heart, mind, soul and spirit to Jesus, that he would take up his place as Lord of my life.

I pray and invite the Holy Spirit to fill me and renew me, in order to help me to obey you and to give up my will in recognition of your own.

Father, I give myself to you alone for the rest of my life; thank you for your wondrous grace.

Amen.

Welcome aboard on an exciting journey!

If you have a bible at hand, I would now encourage you to begin to read about the life and miracles of Jesus in the Book of John. As you read, quietly pray to yourself for the Holy Spirit to gift to you an understanding of what you read. When you are finished, close again in prayer, giving thanks to God that He is there to help you in your understanding.

Learning is a constant process and we learn best from others who are like-minded. If you know other Christians, seek them out and share with them your commitment to Jesus. If you do not know other Christians, pray that you may find a bible-believing church nearby that you can visit. Alternatively, please feel free to email myself and I’ll help you as best I can.

At the very least, I would love to pray for you, so do let me know.

God bless!
Mathew