REPENT AND PRAY!

BARBARA E. PERKINS

REPENT AND PRAY!
Why should we Repent and pray?  The main reason we should repent and pray is because we want God to always listen to us when we pray, as well as answer our prayers.  In Psalms 66:18 (NKJV) the word of God declares, “If I regard iniquity (sin) in my heart, the LORD will not hear (me).”  Then in 1 John 1:9, God’s word reminds us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  You might think that there is nothing that you need to repent and pray about.  So, the following are some other things we might need to repent and pray about.  Have you ever taken for granted Jesus Christ’s profound gift of eternal life?  We can receive salvation and a relationship with God because of Jesus’ unparalleled sacrifice of His own blood and body for mankind so that we don’t have to go to hell.  Do you seize every opportunity to invite others to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord?  If you have not, repent and pray!  “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).  “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, NOT WILLING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH, BUT THAT ALL should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).  Are you walking in pride? Repent and pray!  “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.” (Proverbs 8:13).  “But He (God) gives more grace. Therefore, He says: ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble’” (James 4:6).  Have you ever taken advantage of someone just because you had the power to do so?  Repent and pray!  “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so” (Proverbs 3:27).  Are you too busy for God’s people?  Repent and pray!  2 “I know your works, your labor… 3 And you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, THAT YOU HAVE LEFT YOUR FIRST LOVE. 5 REMEMBER therefore FROM WHERE YOU HAVE FALLEN; REPENT AND DO THE FIRST WORKS, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—UNLESS YOU REPENT” (Revelation 2:2-5).  Is what you are doing taking you away from what God told you to do?  Repent and pray!  “You are the salt of the earth; BUT, IF THE SALT LOSES ITS FLAVOR, HOW SHALL IT BE SEASONED? IT IS THEN GOOD FOR NOTHING, but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men” (Matthew 5:13).  Have you neglected to pray for our leaders?  Repent and pray!  2 “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a QUIET and PEACEABLE LIFE in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).  Have you forgotten to pray for the body of Christ? Repent and pray!  “PRAYING ALWAYS with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for ALL the saints—" (Ephesians 6:18).  If you answered yes to any of these questions, it is essential that you repent and pray to put yourself in a right relationship with God so that He will hear and answer your prayers.  Praise God for His forgiveness and for His loving kindness.
Would you like to be saved and develop a relationship with God as your Heavenly Father?  If you would really like to know God, invite His Son, Jesus Christ, into your heart.  Please pray this prayer:  Dear God, please forgive me of my sins.  I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ is Your Son.  I believe that He died on the cross, shed His blood, and rose from the grave for my salvation.  I confess Jesus right now as my Savior and Lord.  God fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I can live a life that pleases You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!  If you prayed this prayer and really meant it, based on Roman 10:9-10, you are saved.  Welcome into God’s Family!