I Prayed have prayed
Lord, I come before you and ask you to test me. Remove anything in me that offends you. Test my motives and my heart. Forgive me for being self righteous and pointing fingers at everyone else, while neglecting my own personal holiness.
Reading Time: 6 minutes

Editor’s Note: IFA Contributing Writer Gloria Robles appeared on the Tuesday Prayer webcast and shared part of the content of her article below. Click here to watch that video.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (Psalm 139:23,24)

Do you understand the incredible depth of God’s love for mankind? Psalm 139 tells us He knows every detail of our lives. He saw us and knew us before we were ever conceived. He thinks countless thoughts toward us. There is no place we could run from Him. There is nothing we can hide that God doesn’t already know. In that context, David invites the Lord to search his heart, and examine his life. He asks the Lord to not only test him, but point out anything God would find offensive. 

David was not a perfect man by any means. But he learned that true repentance is a gift from God. We see this time and time again demonstrated in his life. Confession and repentance are a theme in many of the psalms he wrote. 

As Intercessors, I believe we understand Identificational repentance very well. If you do not understand this term, I will clarify. This is when we identify and repent for sins of our nation, even if we have never done what we are repenting for. An example would be Christians who have not participated in any abortion repenting for the bloodshed of abortion. A biblical example of this would be Daniel. Daniel identified the sins of the people, the idolatry and unfaithfulness to God as a nation and he repented for it. There are vast sins on a national level we can repent for. This is biblical and a good thing, but personal repentance is equally important and should not be ignored. When we repent on behalf of the nation or actions of others, the focus is outward. When we come before God and examine ourselves and repent, the focus is inward. 

Like many of you, I saw the livestream of Johnathan Cahn’s “The Return” gathering. It was a blessing to see people come together and repent. I would say that meeting was mostly identificational repentance. It was for our nation. One thing the Rabbi said that struck me was this, “Confession is what you do on the way down, repentance is what you do when you get back up.” When you know you have sinned and you humbly come before the Lord through conviction, you are confessing (admit your crime/sin) before the Lord. Repentance is when you get back up. The definition means to have a change of mind and turn away from what you have confessed. 

Telling God the same sin over and over is confession, not repentance, because we haven’t turned away from our sin if we continue. Paul would call this worldly sorrow–feeling  sorry for sin, but not sorry enough to change our ways. Worldly sorrow does not produce lasting fruit. Paul in the same letter speaks of godly sorrow. He states that godly sorrow produces indignation, zeal, vindication. Worldly sorrow leads to spiritual death, but godly sorrow brings life.

The godly sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.

Repentance isn’t a popular word today. If you preach repentance you may be branded a legalist or old fashioned, but repentance didn’t end after Christ’s resurrection. It is written throughout the New Testament. From the epistles written to the early church through Revelation (where the letters to the seven churches are), the Lord Jesus himself uses the “R” word with His churches. 

Repentance is the reality for Christians to live by. This is the inward focused type where a deep self examination is needed. I believe we as the Church have gotten away from this. Often, we are quick to point out the sinful ways of others, but slow when it comes to examining ourselves. When we are quick to call out others or point out Christians who don’t “measure up” to our standards, what fruit is that producing?  When we are quick to pass judgment, we are in danger of judgment as well. Jesus said, “You will be judged by the same standard you use to judge others. The standards you use for others will be applied to you.” (Mt 7:2) 

When we sin, we run to the Lord because we know he will hear and forgive. We know that we will find mercy and grace. Should we not extend that mercy and grace to others? What does the bible say about how to treat other believers who have sinned?

Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. (Gal. 6:1)

This verse in Galatians reminds us how to treat believers who are struggling with sin. It says we should help that person back on the right path. It also says be careful not to fall into the same temptation. We must be careful not to condemn someone who has fallen into sin. This verse clearly says “gently and humbly” help this brother or sister. When we are condemning we place ourselves in danger of falling into that very same sin. 

Repentance is a gift. Romans 2:4 tells us the kindness of God leads us to repentance. The Holy Spirit convicts us when we sin and draws us closer to God. True repentance will always bear good fruit. It produces a deeper walk with God and a greater understanding of his love, mercy, kindness, and compassion towards us. True repentance leads us into a lifestyle of holiness, and holiness still matters to God. 

Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness —without it no one will see the Lord. (Heb 12:14)

I don’t know about you, but I want to know God more. I want to walk closer with him now than I ever have.  Let’s humbly come before the Lord and ask him to not only examine us, but expose any hidden thing within us. You may not even be aware of it, but the Lord is. He will reveal it to you if you ask. If you know that you are in some type of sin right now, but nobody else knows, now is the time to humbly come before the Lord. Confess what you’ve been holding onto and then repent. Turn away from it. Ask the Lord to give you the strength to let it go and He will. If you’re reading this, there is no judgment on my part. My heart’s desire is to see people be saved, grow in their relationship with the Lord, and see people who were once far off be restored. 

So then, surrender to God. Stand up to the devil and resist him and he will turn and run away from you. Move your heart closer and closer to God, and he will come even closer to you. But make sure you cleanse your life, you sinners, and keep your heart pure and stop doubting. Feel the pain of your sin, be sorrowful and weep! Let your joking around be turned into mourning and your joy into deep humiliation. Be willing to be made low before the Lord and he will exalt you! (Jas 4:7-10 TPT)

Lord,

I come before you and ask you to test me. Remove anything in me that offends you. Test my motives and my heart. Forgive me for being self righteous and pointing fingers at everyone else, while neglecting my own personal holiness. Forgive me for any unforgiveness or bitterness that I am still holding onto. Because you expressed ultimate forgiveness on the cross, I want to forgive those who’ve hurt me. Holding on to that has only brought more pain. I don’t want to hurt anymore, so I release them (insert name/names ______) to you. Forgive me for trying to hide my sins, and cover it up. Even if no one else knows, you do. My sins are not and can never be hidden from you. So I confess (____________) to you. I don’t want to do this anymore, but I can’t beat this without you. I repent and renounce (____________) to you. Sever every tie that has me bound. I want to walk in the freedom that I have in Christ. He died for me, so that I may live for him. Give me strength oh Lord. Lead me and guide along the path of everlasting life. In Jesus name, Amen.

I urge you to take the time to read and pray over the following verses. Let God speak to you through them: Psalm 51, Psalm 139, 2 Corinthians 7:5-10.

Author Gloria Robles is a passionate intercessor with a prophetic voice for today. For more from Gloria, go to Spotify or Anchor to listen to her podcast Something To Share. (Photo Credit: Unsplash.)

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Patricia
January 13, 2021

Dear Father,
Please hear my prayer and help me to release my sins to you and to release pent up anger towards others who keep me in aguish. Release me and bring me closer to you, as only you can do.

I am not ever sure what anger and resentment hides in my bones.
But I pray that you will expose it and heal me.
Amen from Your child.

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Nancy
January 13, 2021

Dearest Lord, I repent of all sins personal and national. Forgive us and cleans our nation so that you will hear our prayers and requests. Thank you. Amen

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KT
January 13, 2021

Daniel is our perfect example of humility before God. From what I understand, he was in his 80’s or maybe 90 when he offered the prayer in Daniel 9. The Bible records that he was highly esteemed, yet we see him repenting of his sins and the sins of the nation in his advanced years.

Father, grant us grace to walk humbly before you, to love mercy and do justly; to not think of ourselves more highly than we ought. Expose those areas of compromise that are searing our consciences–attitudes, sinful thought patterns, ways of thinking that do not line up with Your Word and agenda. Help us to shake off dullness and spiritual apathy; grant us grace to truly repent of these hidden matters of the heart and mind. Catch for us the little foxes that are ruining the vineyard of our hearts. Give us dove’s eyes so that our gaze is fixed on you, and our hearts no longer turn to be enticed by the secondary loves the world has to offer. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Grace
January 13, 2021

IFA
can you post brief excepts from Derek Prince teachings

Derek said the moment you sin your CUT OFFfrom God spiritual until the blood of Jesus is called upon to atone for that sin.

Saints LET us remove sin so we can stay CONNECTED to JESUS and not SEPERATED.

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Grace
January 13, 2021

Thank you IFA
for addressing REPENTANCE. The bible says it is YOUR sin that has separated you from God.

We NEED to say CONNECTED not SEPARATED from God.

Thank You YAHWEH for the privilege of having a relation with you. Thank You for the help of Your Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus Christ please give Your saints an encounter and the grace to experience the POWER OF THE RESURRECTIONS every day.

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Vicki
January 13, 2021

May the Spirit of Truth illuminate my heart, Holy Spirit please open my eyes and heart to reveal my sins. Thank you sister for sharing this message. I’m praying also for a national repentance- starting from the church, and national leaders, including government leaders.

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Grace
January 13, 2021

The body of son or sinful nature is the work of Christ. Only Christ can address it and HE did on the cross

Sinful acts is our problem to deal with.

That is why Paul stress in Romans IT IS THE RIGHTEOUSNESS of God NOT man that God is after in us.

The place for mans righteousness is for REWARDS. This is why Derek said some will enter heaven with enough righteous acts as material to make a pikini while other may have enough to make a wedding dress.

Revelations 19:8
for the FINE LINEN
is the

righteous acts
of the saints.

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Alma
January 13, 2021

Gloria. It was nice to put a face to your encouraging words. Thank you for sharing on the IFA video. Yes, praise God. Your message from God is timely. As Christians we need to walk in humility, constantly checking ourselves, letting God reveal His grace by exposing those things that obstruct our intimacy with Him so that we can confess our sins and repent, change our behavior. We need both national and individual confession and repentance. We pray that God would refine us and prepare us as His bride. We pray that our hearts and faith would be purified so that God is pleased and our prayers are unobstructed. We pray for God’s will for His church in America and worldwide. We pray for forgiveness and surrender of our flesh (judgmental and critical thoughts and actions, etc.) and pray for godly unity in prayer for our nation, for President Trump’s victory, and not to give up believing in God’s grace, and in His prophets. Even if some prophets now doubt their own prophecies, let us pray for them also, that they and we not lose heart, but continue in confession, repentance, and prayer for our nation. Here’s a word of hope from the Bible personalized for us at this time from 2 Chronicles 20:15-22: Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow march down against them (in prayer). You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you. (Our president) bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of (the nations) fell down in worship before the Lord. Then some (of the faithful) stood up and praised the Lord, the God of (America), with a very loud voice. Early in the morning they arose and (President Trump) said, “Listen to me, people of (America) Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” After consulting the people, (their leader) appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.” As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the (the enemy) who were invading (America), and they were defeated.

Let’s us pray for God’s mercy and worship the Lord with gladness for His grace and help in our time of need. Let us pray for President Trump to bow down to God and to worship Him with all his heart. Let us pray for Vice President Pence. God give him strength to resist the resolution to impeach President Trump by invoking the 25 amendment. Help him to stand strong against the bullying and to hold his ground. Shelter him under Your wings and protect him from all harm. We join our hearts in confessions of our sins, repent from all wicked thoughts and actions, and ask for mercy for our nation, and move mightily to establish your will in this nation, we pray in the holy name of Jesus. Amen!

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Grace
January 13, 2021

David said in psalm
I was born in sin. Paul calls it a few names including the body of sin. This nature is the result of ADAMs sin passed on to every human. The NATURE draws us to sin.

GOd said in Genesis to Cain.

Sin is at your door. It is dersire is for you.

This is why Jesus is the head of a new race. The God-man race. Derek Prince has a teaching on this topic. Derek explains it better

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Susan C
January 13, 2021

“Repentance is a gift. Romans 2:4 tells us the kindness of God leads us to repentance.” Yes! Thank you for this gracious word. I add, Jesus said, “no one can come to Me unless the Father has made it possible for him,” and I thank our Father every day for loving me through my wickedness! “When I wandered in the desert, I cried out to the Lord and He rescued me from my distress. When I was living in the darkness, I cried out to the Lord and He rescued me.”

I thank Him for leading me to His Word and giving me the desires of my heart through It. I remember Jesus; “in about the ninth hour, Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach cried out with a kol gadol, saying Eli, Eli, lemah sabachthani!”

May God’s people, “cry out to Him!”

I will read the passages you shared Gloria and also add Psalm 107 with this prayer, “may the upright see the Lord’s loving kindness, and rejoice; may the wicked be reduced to silence. Let whoever is wise observe these things and consider Adonai’s loving deeds.” May our love of God, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit be evident in all we do and say. “Our cups runneth over with His goodness and mercy and it follows us (and those who yet believe) as we dwell with the Lord forever.”
Amen

John 6:46 HCSB
Psalm 107 CJB personalized
Matthew 27:46 OJB
Psalm 23 personalized

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Grace
January 13, 2021

There iS Christ and there is us.

The verdict on the cross is

1.I AM CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST.
(To YAHWEH, He is the God of the living and will only ENGAGE the living.)

2. YE ARE NOT YOUR OWN.

(YAHWEH CANNOT behold or LOOK ON SIN.

IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN.

So to ADONAI,
JESUS CHRIST is the only PERSON on EARTH He can behold. HE gave US CHRIST as the MEDIATOR between HIM and US.

The Struggle of MAN.
Who will LIVE out each day. YOU or CHRIST. The bible is clear on the matter. LET Christ LIVE His life through YOU.

We have a sinful nature that wants us to produce sinful ACTS. God does NOT holds us accountable for sinful NATURE, ONLY sinful ACT. Sinful ACT is a CHOICE.

ONLY the BLOOD of JESUS Christ can cleanse sinful ACT.

Derek Prince SAID God is OBILIGATED to forgive the sins you confess. God is NOT obligated to forgive unconfessed sins.

This is why confession and repentance is necessarily ALL THE TIME.

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    Alma
    January 13, 2021

    Thank you Grace for your words of encouragement. But I’m not sure about what you said:
    God does NOT holds us accountable for sinful NATURE, ONLY sinful ACT. Sinful ACT is a CHOICE.
    We choose our actions, but we must also choose our thoughts and desires. The mind is a battlefield and we must bring every thought into obedience. As we repent both in actin and in thought, and choose to let Christ live through us, my prayer is that God will transform our sinful nature into His image. So that our thoughts, desires, and inclinations will be made holy.

    4
Mary D
January 13, 2021

I love how the Apostle John speaks God’s love, truth and peace into His people. God sees our frailties, our hurt, confusion, and pain. He sees the persistent attempts to deceive and manipulate Gods people. He reassures us through John’s words, “Behold what manner of love that the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God” 1John 3:1
An amazing thing to be called part of His family! Peter saw an even more amazing thing in that He also calls us to be part of His Royal priesthood and His Holy Nation on earth 1 Peter 2:9. God knows us. He makes way for us to enter in and take our place with Him. He calls us in pain, in pride, in shame, in anger, in guilt. The Apostles dealt with the very same things. And they saw their sin and ours be paid for in total thru the🩸 of the one they walked with! For all time! So beloved family, we are “Children of God”. 1 John 3:2
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness 1 John 1:9
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!! Psalm107:2. Let us continually go to The throne of Grace, confess get up and move towards Him and away from ourselves!

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Emily
January 13, 2021

Heavenly Father,
You are a merciful Father, forgiving Your children. I pray you use this day and what is unfolding in America, to bring us from religion into a deep, intimate walk with You. May Your precepts permeate every aspect of our lives. Deliver us from passive thinking and change us into people with a faithful faith. Let the personal relationship with You that we have, be rivers of living waters, drawing others to You, King if Kings and Lord of Lords. Amen

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Donna
January 13, 2021

Father, I agree that I’m in need of repentance. I have sin in my life that I confess but have not repented of. Thank you for Gloria who is not afraid to speak the truth. Father, help us. We need You. In Jesus name I pray amen

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