1 John 1:9 (NIV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Our most important prayer may be the most difficult. Asking forgiveness is tough to do. It requires several steps. First, we have to admit we’ve done something wrong. That’s called confession. We’ve been conditioned to place blame wherever we can to avoid pain and ownership of our wrongdoings. This is obvious when a child says, “I didn’t do anything” or “It was their fault” or “He made me do it.” That same mentality gets played out by adults. To confess, means to recognize the things we’ve done that offend God and to admit our offense without excuses.
The title of the book Yes Lord, I’ve Sinned. But I have Several Excellent Excuses says it all. To confess, we have to stop the excuses and own our sin. Only then can we get rid of it.
The second step to is to humbly ask God to forgive what we’ve done wrong. Specifics are important. It’s far too easy to say, “God forgive me for the bad stuff.” God knows what we’ve done and doesn’t need for us to say it.
Prayer is about changing our minds to become the mind of God. When we are clear with ourselves about what we’ve done wrong, we can begin to change those habits and tendencies that drive us to sin.
Finally, we ask for power over those sinful ways and habits. God wants to empower you and will fill your life with His Spirit if you seek it. Ask for it. Be specific in your asking. Ask often. It takes longer to break a habit than it does to form one.
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