Tag: penitence

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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A Prayer for Ash Wednesday

Merciful God,
On this day, Ash Wednesday, we mark the beginning of the season of Lent. Today especially, we are reminded of the inseparable bond sin and death share. Sinners cannot escape death. I, therefore, cannot escape death. What I can do, though, and need to do daily, is confess my sins that lead to death. Lent is not a season of self-help, but a penitential season of helplessness. Grant me a humble and contrite heart, and create in me a renewed spirit as I prepare once again to see the Savior’s steps toward his ultimate sacrifice for all, including me. Only at the cross was the eternal bond between sin and death broken, so that now, in Christ, even though I die, I live. Eternally. With you. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Bring Blessings Through the Fruit of My Repentance

Holy Spirit,
When you work in me a penitent spirit, work in me also the genuine desire to bear fruit in keeping with repentance. While repentance itself is a challenge for my stubborn heart, what follows can also be easily overlooked. When contrition and confession lead me to the cross, where I am flooded with your full forgiveness, allow that renewed spirit within me to be eager to bear fruit that seeks to make right whatever wrong I have committed. Let my cleansed soul find genuine joy in humbly serving anyone I have wronged. In that way, through the process of repentance, reshape the original evil that was done into something beautiful and good in the end. Take what was bad and turn it to what is beneficial, bestowing your blessing on many along the way. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.