Day 11 Prayers for Repentance

Ask for a spirit of repentance and a desire to change.

Acts 3:19

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."

It is September 11th so lets take a moment to remember those who lost their lives that day and pray for their families as well. It is a difficult day for many Americans, myself included, with all the reminders and videos that are being replayed. I can’t imagine how much more difficult it must be to those families.

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Repentance is the foundation of our relationship with Jesus Christ. Without repentance, our relationship with Him is going to be strained and we will be uncomfortable because of the conviction of the Holy Spirit. I once heard a sermon where the pastor talked about who the most miserable people on Earth are and He suggested it would be saved people who have the gift of the Holy Spirit but are running from God and trying to do life on their own terms.

For those that are unsaved, all they have to guide them is their conscience and that can be numbed. The conviction of the Holy Spirit can not be numbed, turned off, or ignored and for those embracing sin it will be miserable.

God doesn’t set out to make us miserable. The conviction of the Holy Spirit is meant to lead us away from sin and draw us closer to Jesus. It is meant to bring about a spirit of repentance in us so that we may be free of our sins and therefore closer to Him and more joyful. Let us pray that our loved ones will turn to repentance and begin the process of recovery. I think there is a misconception in people that have not experienced addiction themselves or seen it up close that it’s a never-ending party and that our loved ones in addiction are out having a great time. The fact of the matter is that it may start that way (how else would the enemy lure us in) but it quickly turns to misery physically, mentally, and spiritually. Let’s pray that God will help our loved ones become sick and tired of being sick and tired and seek repentance.

If you have been reading these prayers and emails for very long, you know I’m not going to let us, the loved ones, off of the hook. We need a spirit of repentance as well. We may not be embracing sin but it is certainly still a part of our life. It is likely we have sinned in our relationship with our addicted loved one whether it was enabling their sin or sinning in our actions stemming from our anger, desperation and frustration. Wherever we have sinned, we need to seek repentance with Jesus Christ and if needed we need to become willing to make amends. In this particular situation, especially, it is important to make sure that our amends are honoring to God and are handled the way He would have us love others. In other words, don’t do things out of guilt or remorse that would be enabling or counterproductive to our ultimate goal. This is where a good accountability team can help you discern the best way forward.

I am lifting you and your loved ones up as I go about my day today and ask that you would do the same.

May God bless you on this journey!

Precious Heavenly Father,

We come to You today, lifting up our loved ones who are struggling with addiction. Lord, we pray that You would stir within them a repentant spirit—a deep recognition of their need for You and a desire to turn away from the chains that bind them. Open their hearts to see the path of destruction and the freedom that comes through repentance.

Father, we ask that You replace their shame and guilt with hope, giving them the courage to face their mistakes and seek the healing that only You can provide. Instill in them a genuine desire to change and to turn toward You, the source of all transformation.

Surround them with Your grace, Lord, and lead them to true repentance—not just in words but in action. Give them the strength to take steps toward healing, trusting that You are with them every step of the way. May they find peace in knowing that through repentance, Your mercy and forgiveness are always available.

Father, we also lift up the families of those who perished and all those who were injured physically or mentally on September 11. It is collectively a tough day for most Americans but especially those who were close to the situation. Give those survivors an extra dose of your strength, peace and grace today. May they find comfort knowing that you have been with them through every step of this journey and that you will continue to walk alongside them all the days of their lives.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

1 John 1:9

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

Luke 5:32

"I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Isaiah 55:7

"Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and He will have mercy on them, and to our God, for He will freely pardon."

2 Peter 3:9

"The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

Psalm 51:1-2

"Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your unfailing love; according to Your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin."