Category: NASB First Person

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Method for Prayer NASB First Person

Consider your Evil Sins in Light of the Mercies and Warnings of God

Confession 2.16 | NASB

The more mercies I have received from God, the greater has been my sin.

You have reared and brought me up as a son, but I have revolted against You. Isaiah 1:2(NASB)

I have ill repaid You, O LORD, as a foolish and unwise person: You are my Father who made me and bought me and established me, yet my mark has not been the mark of one of Your children. Deuteronomy 32:5-6(KJV)

I have not given a return for the benefit I have received. 2 Chronicles 32:25(NASB)

The fairer warning I have had from the word of God and from my own conscience concerning my danger of sin and danger by sin, the greater is the sin if I go on in it.

I have received much reproof, and yet have hardened my neck, Proverbs 29:1(NASB) and have gone on turning away, in the way of my heart. Isaiah 57:17(NASB)

You have sent to me, saying, “Oh, do not do this abominable thing which I hate”; but I have not listened nor inclined my ear. Jeremiah 44:4-5(NASB)

The word of God has been to me order on order and line on line; Isaiah 28:13(NASB) and though I have looked at my natural face in the mirror, yet I have gone away and immediately forgotten what kind of person I was. James 1:23-24(NASB)

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Method for Prayer NASB First Person

Consider your Evil Sins in Light of your Moral Knowledge and Profession of Faith

Confession 2.15 | NASB

I must aggravate* my sins and take notice of those things which make them more heinous in the sight of God and more dangerous to myself.

I bewail before You all my sins, and all my transgressions in regard to all my sins. Leviticus 16:21(NASB)

The more knowledge I have of good and evil, the greater is my sin.

I have known my Master’s will but have not done it, and therefore deserve to receive many lashes. Luke 12:47(NASB)

I have known the way of the Lord and the ordinances of my God, and yet have broken the yoke and burst the bonds. Jeremiah 5:4-5(NASB)

I have known the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, and yet have done them and have also given hearty approval to those who practice them. Romans 1:32(NASB)

I have taught others, and yet have not taught myself; Romans 2:21(NASB) and while I profess to know God, I have by my deeds denied Him. Titus 1:16(NASB)

The greater profession I have made of religion, the greater has been my sin.

I call myself after the holy city and lean on the God of Israel and invoke His name, but not in truth nor in righteousness. Isaiah 48:1-2(NASB) For I have dishonored that worthy name by which I have been called, Ephesians 4:1 (NASB) and given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme. 2 Samuel 12:14(NASB)

I have named the name of the Lord, and yet have not abstained from wickedness. 2 Timothy 2:19(NASB)

* The author means that we must look at our sins in the worst light, to see just how evil they are, taking into account the persons we have offended, the nature of the offense, the circumstances of our sin, etc. See The Westminster Larger Catechism, Questions 150 and 151. Editor.

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Method for Prayer NASB First Person

Acknowledge that Sin is an Affront to the Holy God and Damages the Soul

Confession 2.14 | KJV

The offense which by sin I have given to the Holy God.

By breaking the law I have dishonoured God, Romans 2:23(KJV) and have provoked the Holy One of Israel Isaiah 1:4(KJV) to anger most bitterly. Hosea 12:14(kJV) And many a thing that I have done hath displeased the Lord. 2 Samuel 11:27(KJV)

God has been broken by my whorish heart and my eyes that have gone a whoring after my idols. Ezekiel 6:9(KJV)

I have tempted him and proved him and grieved him in the wilderness; Psalm 95:9-10(KJV) have rebelled, and vexed his Holy Spirit, Isaiah 63:10(KJV) and pressed him with my iniquities, as a cart is pressed that is full of sheaves. Amos 2:13(KJV)

I have grieved the Holy Spirit of God, by whom I am sealed to the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30(KJV)

The damage which by sin I have done to my own soul and its great interests.

By my iniquities I have sold myself; Isaiah 50:1(KJV) and in sinning against thee, I have wronged my own soul. Proverbs 8:36(KJV)

My sins have separated between me and God, Isaiah 59:2(KJV) and have kept good things from me; Jeremiah 5:25(KJV) and by them, my mind and conscience have been defiled. Titus 1:15(KJV)

My own wickedness hath corrected me, and backslidings have reproved me; and I cannot but know and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that I have forsaken the Lord my God, and that his fear hath not been in me. Jeremiah 2:19(KJV)

O what fools are they that make a mock at sin! Proverbs 14:9(KJV)

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Method for Prayer NASB First Person

Acknowledge the Great Evil of Sin, its Unprofitableness and Deceitfulness

Confession 2.13 | NASB

The unprofitableness of sin.

I have sinned and perverted what is right, and it did not profit me. Job 33:27(KJV)

What benefit have I derived from the things of which I am now ashamed, seeing the outcome of those things is death? Romans 6:21(NASB) And what will it profit me if I gain the whole world and forfeit my soul? Matthew 16:26(NASB)

The deceitfulness of sin.

Sin has deceived me, and through the commandment killed me; Romans 7:11(NASB) for my heart has been hardened by the deceitfulness of sin, Hebrews 3:13(NASB) and I have been carried away and enticed by my own lust. James 1:14(NASB)

It has promised me freedom, but has made me a slave of corruption; 2 Peter 2:19(NASB) has promised me that I surely will not die and that I will be like God, Genesis 3:4-5(NASB) but it has flattered me and spread a net for my steps. Proverbs 29:5(NASB)

The arrogance of my heart, particularly, has deceived me. Obadiah 1:3(NASB)

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Method for Prayer NASB First Person

Acknowledge the Great Evil of Sin, its Sinfulness and Foolishness

Confession 2.12 | NASB

I must acknowledge the great evil that there is in sin, and in my sin; the malignity of its nature, and its mischievousness to me.

The sinfulness of sin.

O that sin may be shown to be sin to me, may be shown in its true colors; and that by the commandment I may see it to be utterly sinful, Romans 7:13(NASB) because it is lawlessness. 1 John 3:4(NASB)

By every willful sin I have in effect said, “I do not want this man to reign over me.” Luke 19:14(NASB) And, “Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice?” Exodus 5:2(NASB) And thus I have blasphemed the LORD, Numbers 15:30(NASB) and cast His laws behind my back. Nehemiah 9:26(NASB)

The foolishness of sin.

O God, You know my folly, and my wrongs are not hidden from You. Psalm 69:5(NASB) I was foolish in being disobedient, Titus 3:3(NASB) and my desires are foolish and harmful. 1 Timothy 6:9(NASB)

Foolishness was bound up in my heart when I was a child; Proverbs 22:15(NASB) for though vain man would be wise, he is born like the foal of a wild donkey. Job 11:12(KJV)

My way has been foolish, Psalm 49:13(NASB) and in many instances I have acted very foolishly. 2 Samuel 24:10(NASB)

I have been senseless and ignorant, even like a beast before God. Psalm 73:22(NASB)

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Method for Prayer NASB First Person

Bewail your Sins of the Tongue and Spiritual Sloth

Confession 2.11 | NASB

My tongue sins.

In my many words, transgression is unavoidable; Proverbs 10:19(NASB) nor can a talkative man be acquitted. Job 11:2(NASB)

While the lips of the righteous feed many, Proverbs 10:21(NASB) my lips have spouted folly, Proverbs 15:2(NASB) and brought forth what is perverted. Proverbs 10:32(NASB)

Many unwholesome words have proceeded out of my mouth; that silly talk and coarse jesting which are not fitting, Ephesians 5:4(NASB) and little of that which is good and for the use of edification, and which might give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29(NASB)

If for every careless word that people speak they must give an account, and if by my words I must be justified, and by my words I must be condemned, Matthew 12:36-37(NASB) woe to me, for I am ruined; for I am of unclean lips, and live among a people of unclean lips. Isaiah 6:5(NASB)

What would become of me, if God should make my own tongue be against me? Psalm 64:8(NASB)

My spiritual slothfulness and decay.

I have been lagging behind in diligence for religion and not fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11(NASB)

The things which remain are about to die, and my deeds have not been found completed in the sight of God. Revelation 3:2(NASB)

I have watched the wind, and therefore have not sown; have looked at the clouds, and therefore have not reaped; Ecclesiastes 11:4(NASB) and with the sluggard have frightened myself with the fancy of a lion in the road, a lion in the open square, and have turned on my bed as the door on its hinges, Proverbs 26:13-14(NASB) still crying, “A little sleep, a little slumber.” Proverbs 6:10(NASB)

I have left my first love, Revelation 2:4(NASB) and where now is that sense of blessing I had? Galatians 4:15(NASB)

My loyalty has been like a morning cloud and like the dew which goes away early. Hosea 6:4(NASB)

And that which is at the bottom of all is the evil, unbelieving heart in me, which inclines me to fall away from the living God. Hebrews 3:12(NASB)

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Method for Prayer NASB First Person

Bewail your Lack of Love for Others

Confession 2.10 | NASB

My uncharitableness towards my brethren, and unpeaceableness with my relations, neighbors, and friends, and perhaps injustice towards them.

Truly I have been guilty concerning my brother; Genesis 42:21(NASB) for I have not pursued the things which make for peace or the building up of others. Romans 14:19(NASB)

I have been ready to judge my brother and to regard him with contempt, forgetting that I must shortly stand before the judgment seat of God. Romans 14:10(NASB)

Contrary to the royal law of love, I have bragged and been arrogant, have acted unbecomingly and sought my own; I have been easily provoked, have rejoiced in unrighteousness, 1 Corinthians 13:4-6(NASB) and secretly rejoiced at calamity. Proverbs 17:5(NASB)

I have become boastful, challenging others, envying others, Galatians 5:26(NASB) when I should have considered how to stimulate others to love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24(NASB)

My heart has been closed against those who are in need; 1 John 3:17(NASB) and I have hidden myself from my own flesh. Isaiah 58:7(NASB) Indeed, perhaps my eye has been hostile toward my poor brother, Deuteronomy 15:9(NASB) and I have dishonored the poor man. James 2:6(NASB)

And if in anything I have transgressed and defrauded my brother, 1 Thessalonians 4:6(NASB) if I have walked with falsehood, and my foot has hastened after deceit, Job 31:5(NASB) and any spot has stuck to my hands, Job 31:7(NASB) Lord, discover it to me, that if I have done iniquity, I may not do it again. Job 34:32(NASB)

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Method for Prayer NASB First Person

Bewail your False Security, Fretfulness, and Impatience

Confession 2.9 | NASB

My security and unmindfulness of the changes I am liable to in this world.

I have put off from me the day of calamity; Amos 6:3(NASB) and in my prosperity have said, “I will never be moved,” Psalm 30:6(NASB) as if tomorrow will be like today, only more so. Isaiah 56:12(NASB)

I have encouraged my soul to take its ease, to eat, drink, and be merry, as if I had goods laid up for many years to come, when perhaps this night my soul may be required of me. Luke 12:19-20(NASB)

I have been ready to fix my hope on the uncertainty of riches, more than on God; 1 Timothy 6:17(NASB) to put my confidence in gold, and call fine gold my trust. Job 31:24(NASB)

My fretfulness and impatience and murmuring under my afflictions, my inordinate dejection and distrust of God and His providence.

When You have chastised me, and I was chastised, I have been like an untrained calf; Jeremiah 31:18(NASB) and though my own foolishness has ruined my way, yet my heart has raged against the LORD; Proverbs 19:3(NASB) and thus, in my distress I have become yet more unfaithful to the LORD. 2 Chronicles 28:22(NASB)

I have either rejected the discipline of the LORD or fainted when I have been rebuked by Him; Proverbs 3:11(NASB) and if I am slack in the day of distress, my strength is limited. Proverbs 24:10(NASB)

I have said in my alarm, “I am cut off from before Your eyes”; Psalm 31:22(NASB) and, “The LORD has forsaken me, my God has forgotten me”; Isaiah 49:14(NASB) as if God would never be favorable again; Psalm 77:7(NASB) as if He had forgotten to be gracious and had in anger withdrawn His compassion. This has been my grief. Psalm 77:9-10(NASB)

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Method for Prayer NASB First Person

Bewail your Anger, Love of the World, and Love of the Flesh

Confession 2.8 | NASB

The breaking out of passion and rash anger.

I have not had the control which I ought to have had over my spirit, which has therefore been like a city that is broken into and without walls. Proverbs 25:28(NASB)

I have been eager in my heart to be angry, and anger has resided in my bosom. Ecclesiastes 7:9(NASB) And when my spirit has been rebellious, I have spoken rashly with my lips, Psalm 106:33(NASB) and have been guilty of that clamor and bitterness which should have been put far from me. Ephesians 4:31(NASB)

My covetousness and love of the world.

My character has not been free from the love of money, Hebrews 13:5(NASB) nor have I learned to be content in every circumstance with what I have. Philippians 4:11(NASB)

Who can say that he is clean from that love of money which is a root of all sorts of evil, 1 Timothy 6:10(NASB) that greed which amounts to idolatry? Colossians 3:5(NASB)

I have sought great things for myself when You have said, “Do not seek them.” Jeremiah 45:5(NASB)

My sensuality and flesh-pleasing.

I have set my mind on the things of the flesh more than the things of the Spirit; Romans 8:5(NASB) I have lived luxuriously on the earth and have led a life of wanton pleasure, and have fattened my heart in a day of slaughter. James 5:5(NASB)

I have made provision for the flesh in regards to its lusts, Romans 13:14(NASB) even those lusts which wage war against my soul; 1 Peter 2:11(NASB) and in many instances, I have acted as if I had been a lover of pleasure more than a lover of God. 2 Timothy 3:4(NASB)

When I did eat and when I did drink, did I not eat for myself and drink for myself? Zechariah 7:6(NASB)

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Method for Prayer NASB First Person

Bewail your Many Actual Transgressions, Especially your Pride

Confession 2.7 | NASB

I must likewise bewail my many actual transgressions, in thought, word, and deed.

I have sinned, Father, against heaven and in Your sight. Luke 15:18(NASB) I have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23(NASB) for the God in whose hand my life-breath is, and all my ways, I have not glorified. Daniel 5:23(NASB)

Against You, You only, I have sinned and done much evil in Your sight; Psalm 51:4(NASB) neither have I obeyed the voice of the LORD my God, to walk in His teachings which He has set before me, Daniel 9:10(NASB) though they are holy and righteous and good. Romans 7:12(NASB)

Who can discern his errors? Acquit me from hidden faults. Psalm 19:12(NASB)

I stumble in many ways, James 3:2(NASB) and my iniquities are more numerous than the hairs of my head. Psalm 40:12(NASB)

As a well keeps its waters fresh, so my heart keeps fresh its wickedness; Jeremiah 6:7(NASB) and this has been my practice from my youth up, that I have not obeyed Your voice. Jeremiah 22:21(NASB)

Out of the evil treasure of my heart, I have many times brought forth what is evil. Matthew 12:35(NASB)

I must confess and bewail the workings of pride in me.

I have every reason to be humbled for the pride of my heart; 2 Chronicles 32:26(NASB) that I have thought more highly of myself than I ought to have thought, and have not thought so as to have sound judgment, Romans 12:3(NASB) nor have I walked humbly with my God. Micah 6:8(NASB)

I have leaned on my own understanding, Proverbs 3:5(NASB) and trusted in my own heart, Proverbs 28:26(NASB) and have sacrificed to my own net. Habakkuk 1:16(NASB)

I have sought my own glory more than the glory of the One who sent me, John 7:18(NASB) and have become arrogant concerning that for which I should have mourned. 1 Corinthians 5:2(NASB)