As we learn how to pray, we step deeper into the attitude of our next letter in our P.R.A.Y. acrostic, which is “R”. This stands for Repentance. First we Praise Him, then we pause to Repent for our sins. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed the 95 Thesis on the door of the church in Wittenberg and it shook the world of his time into one of the greatest movements of faith! In this document he included this prayer; “Pardon me, oh God, from my sins for they are great.” We can apply repentance to our lives in the following way; first, we must repent daily of our sins. There is never a day that we are not likely to sin somewhere in our life. All that is needed, is for us to acknowledge our sins to God. (1 John 1:9) Next, we must promise Him that we will forsake this sin, and seek never to do it again. (Proverbs 28:13) Then, when necessary, we go back to whomever we have sinned against and ask their forgiveness. (Matthew 6:14-15) And finally, we make full restitution for anything that we may have stolen, lost or damaged. For instance, if you have lied about something, confess it to God, and then seek Him to be able to keep yourself from lying… day by day. Instead, become truthful and honest with others and with God. (Ephesians 4:24-25) The sin of lying also includes the humble action of admitting to others whatever lie you have told them. When you are convicted, you want to follow through and do this as soon as you are able to. Why? The following story best illustrates the answer to that! There was a woman who had been known for telling lies to many people. The pastor heard her lies. They had, unfortunately, spread over the whole city. The pastor felt it was finally time to confront this dear lady of her sin. He called her into his office, took a feather pillow, cut it open and emptied it out in her presence. He then, calmly asked her, “Please go and pick up all the feathers.“ She knew that she could not possibly regather each and every scattered feather. And so it would be with her lies. She would never be able to take back all of the damage done. This included completely getting back her good name and a good reputation. This story gives us a simple illustration and reminder to always deal quickly with our sins! They can easily become out of our control! “Our Father, I come to You daily, and sometimes even hourly, and I confess my sins. Please make right… what my sins have destroyed. Thank You, that each time I repent, You offer your full forgiveness and a fresh start! In Jesus Name, Amen.”
