Category: NASB First Person

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Method for Prayer NASB First Person

Plead with God His Goodness and Readiness to Forgive Sin

Petition 3.2 | NASB

For the encouraging of my faith and the exciting of my fervency in this petition for the pardon of sin, I may plead with God:

The infinite goodness of His nature, His readiness to forgive sin, and His glorying in it.

You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You. Psalm 86:5(NASB) You are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in covenant love and truth. Psalm 86:15(NASB)

You are a God of forgiveness, gracious and compassionate, Nehemiah 9:17(NASB) who does not always strive with me nor keep His anger forever. Psalm 103:9(NASB)

You, even You, are the one who wipes out my transgressions for Your own sake, and will not remember my sins, which I am here to put You in remembrance of and to declare, in order to plead for mercy in Christ. Isaiah 43:25-26(KJV)

And now, I pray, let the power of the Lord be great, just as You have declared, saying, “The LORD is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression.” Pardon, I pray, my iniquity and the iniquity of Your people, according to the greatness of Your lovingkindness, just as You have forgiven us even until now. Numbers 14:17-19(NASB)

For who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of Your possession? You do not retain Your anger forever, because You delight in unchanging love. O that You would have compassion on me and tread my iniquities under foot and cast all my sins into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:18-19(NASB)

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Method for Prayer NASB First Person

Earnestly Pray for the Forgiveness of your Sins

Petition 3.1 | NASB

I must earnestly pray for the pardon and forgiveness of all my sins.

Lord, I come to You, as the poor tax collector who stood some distance away and was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast; and I pray his prayer, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ Luke 18:13(NASB) The God of infinite mercy be merciful to me.

O wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin; for I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Psalm 51:1-3(NASB) O purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow; Psalm 51:7(NASB) hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Psalm 51:9(NASB)

Be merciful to my iniquities, and remember my sins no more. Hebrews 8:12(NASB) O forgive me that great debt. Matthew 18:32(NASB)

Let me be justified as a gift by Your grace, through the redemption which is in Jesus, Romans 3:24(NASB) from all those things from which I could not be justified through the Law of Moses. Acts 13:39(NASB)

O let not my iniquity be a stumbling block to me; Ezekiel 18:30(NASB) but let the LORD take away my sin, that I may not die, 2 Samuel 12:13(NASB) not die eternally; that I may not be hurt by the second death. Revelation 2:11(NASB)

Wipe out my transgressions like a thick cloud and my sins like a heavy mist; for I return to You, because You have redeemed me. Isaiah 44:22(NASB)

Do not enter into judgment with Your servant, O Lord, for in Your sight no man living is righteous. Psalm 143:2(NASB)

Take away all iniquity, and receive me graciously; heal my apostasy, and love me freely; and let Your anger be turned away from me, for in You the orphan finds mercy. Hosea 14:2-4(NASB)

Though my sins have been as scarlet, let them be as white as snow; and though they have been red like crimson, let them be like wool; that consenting and obeying, I may eat the best of the land. Isaiah 1:18-19(NASB)

I will say to God, “Do not condemn me, Job 10:2(NASB) but deliver me from going down to the pit, for You have found the ransom.” Job 33:24(NASB)

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Method for Prayer NASB First Person

Introduction to Petition

Petition 3.0 | NASB

Of the Third Part of Prayer, which is Petition and Supplication for the Good Things which I Stand in Need of.

Having opened the wounds of sin, both the guilt of it and the power of it, and its remainders in us, we must next seek unto God for the remedy, for healing and help, for from him alone it is to be expected, and this also he will let us ask him to do for us. Ezekiel 36:37(NASB) And now we must affect our hearts with a deep sense of the need we have of those mercies which we pray for, that we are undone, forever undone, without them; and, with a high esteem and value for them, that we are happy, we are made forever, if we obtain them; that we may like Jacob wrestle with him in prayer, as for our lives and the lives of our souls. But we must not think in our prayers to prescribe to him or by our importunity to move him. He knows us better than we know ourselves and knows what he will do. John 6:6(NASB) But thus, we open our wants and desires, and then refer ourselves to his wisdom and goodness; and hereby we give honor to him as our Protector and Benefactor, and take the way which he himself has appointed, of fetching in mercy from him, and by faith plead his promise with him: And if we are sincere in this, we are, through his grace, qualified according to the tenor of the new covenant to receive his favors, and are to be assured that we do and shall receive them. Mark 11:24(NASB)

And now, Lord, for what do I wait? Truly my hope is in You. Deliver me from all my transgressions; make me not the reproach of the foolish. Psalm 39:7-8(NASB)

Lord, all my desire is before You, and my sighing is not hidden from You, Psalm 38:9(NASB) even the groanings too deep for words; for, He who searches the heart knows what the mind of the Spirit is. Romans 8:26-27(NASB)

I do not think that I will be heard for my many words, for my Father knows what I need before I ask Him; Matthew 6:7-8(NASB) but my Master has told me that whatever I ask the Father for in His name, He will give it to me. And He has said, “Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.” John 16:23-24(NASB)

And this is the confidence which I have before Him, that, if I ask anything according to His will, He hears me. And if I know that He hears me in whatever I ask, I know that I have the requests which I have asked from Him. John 5:14-15(NASB)

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Method for Prayer NASB First Person

Humbly Profess your Sorrow and Shame for Sin

Confession 2.20 | NASB

I must humbly profess my sorrow and shame for sin, and humbly engage myself in the strength of divine grace, that I will be better and do better for the future.

Lord, I repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand, Matthew 3:2(NASB) to which You have exalted Your Son Christ Jesus, to grant repentance and forgiveness of sins. Acts 5:31(NASB)

I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eyes see You; therefore I retract and repent in dust and ashes; Job 42:5-6(NASB) therefore will I be like a dove of the valley, mourning over my own iniquities. Ezekiel 7:16(NASB)

Oh that my head were waters and my eyes fountains of tears, that I might weep day and night for my transgressions, Jeremiah 9:1(NASB) and might in such a manner sow in those tears as that at last I may reap with joyful shouting; may now go to and fro weeping, carrying my bag of seed, and may in due time come again with a shout of joy, bringing in my sheaves with me. Psalm 126:5-6(NASB)

My iniquities have gone over my head; as a heavy burden they weigh too much for me; Psalm 38:4(NASB) but weary and heavy-laden under this burden, I come to Christ, who has promised that in Him I shall find rest for my soul. Matthew 11:28(NASB)

O knowing the affliction of my own heart, 1 Kings 8:38(NASB) may I look on Him whom I have pierced and may I mourn for Him and weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn. Zechariah 12:10(NASB) That I may have the sorrow that is according to the will of God, that sorrow which produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation; 2 Corinthians 7:10(NASB) and that I may remember and be ashamed and never open my mouth anymore because of my humiliation, when You have forgiven me. Ezekiel 16:63(NASB)

And, O that I may bear fruit in keeping with repentance! Matthew 3:8(NASB) and may never again turn back to folly; Psalm 85:8(NASB) for what more have I to do with idols? Hosea 14:8(NASB) Sin shall not be master over me, for I am not under law but under grace. Romans 6:14(NASB)

I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, for I do not forget Your commandments. Psalm 119:176(NASB)

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Method for Prayer NASB First Person

Give Glory to God for His Patience and Willingness to be Reconciled

Confession 2.19 | NASB

I must give to God the glory of His patience and long-suffering towards me and His willingness to be reconciled.

O the riches of the patience and tolerance of God! Romans 2:4(NASB) How patient He is towards me, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9(NASB)

You have not dealt with me according to my sins, nor rewarded me according to my iniquities, Psalm 103:10(NASB) but You wait to be gracious to me. Isaiah 30:18(NASB)

Sentence against my evil deeds has not been executed quickly, Ecclesiastes 8:11(NASB) but You have given me time to repent and make my peace with You, Revelation 2:21(NASB) and call even faithless sons to return to You and have promised to heal my faithlessness; and therefore, behold, I come to You, for You are the LORD my God. Jeremiah 3:22(NASB)

Surely the patience of my Lord is salvation; 2 Peter 3:15(NASB) and if the Lord had desired to kill me, He would not as at this time have shown me all these things. Judges 13:23(NASB)

And O that this kindness of God might lead me to repentance! Romans 2:4(NASB) For though I have been unfaithful to my God, yet now there is hope for Israel in spite of this. Ezra 10:2(NASB)

You have said it and have confirmed it with an oath, that You take no pleasure in the death of sinners like me, but rather that I should turn and live. Ezekiel 33:11(NASB) Therefore I will rend my heart and not my garments and return to the LORD my God; for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness. Who knows whether He will not turn and relent and leave a blessing behind Him? Joel 2:13-14(NASB)

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Method for Prayer NASB First Person

Understand the Condemning Nature of your Sin

Confession 2.18 | NASB

I must judge and condemn myself for my sins, and own myself liable to punishment.

Now, my God, what shall I say after this? For I have forsaken Your commandments. Ezra 9:10(NASB) I have sinned; what have I done to You, O watcher of men? Job 7:20(NASB)

I know that the law curses everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to perform them; Galatians 3:10(NASB) that the wages of every sin is death; Romans 6:23(NASB) and that for these things’ sake the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Ephesians 5:6(NASB)

I am accountable to God; Romans 3:19(NASB) the Scripture has shut me up under sin; Galatians 3:22(NASB) and therefore, You might justly be angry with me to the point of destruction, until I should not be of Your remnant, nor able to escape. Ezra 9:14(NASB)

If You should make justice the measuring line and righteousness the level, Isaiah 28:17(NASB) You might justly separate me to all evil, according to every curse of the covenant, and blot out my name from under heaven. Deuteronomy 29:20(NASB)

You might justly swear in Your anger that I should never enter into Your rest; Psalm 95:11(NASB) might justly strip me naked and bare, Hosea 2:3(NASB) and take back my grain in its season, Hosea 2:9(NASB) and put into my hands the chalice of reeling, and make me drink even the dregs of that cup. Isaiah 51:17(NASB)

You are just in whatever You are pleased to lay upon me; for You have dealt faithfully, but I have acted wickedly. Nehemiah 9:33(NASB) Indeed, my God has requited me less than my iniquities deserve. Ezra 9:13(NASB)

You therefore will be justified when You speak and blameless when You judge; Psalm 51:4(NASB) and I will accept of the punishment of my iniquity, Leviticus 26:43(KJV) and humble myself under Your mighty hand, 1 Peter 5:6(NASB) and say, “The LORD is righteous.” 2 Chronicles 12:6(NASB)

Why should any living mortal, or any man, offer complaint in view of his sins? Lamentation 3:39(NASB) No, I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against Him. Micah 7:9(NASB)

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Method for Prayer NASB First Person

Consider your Evil Sins in Light of the Corrections you have Received and the Vows you have Made

Confession 2.17 | NASB

The greater afflictions I have been under for sin, the greater is the sin if I go on in it.

You have smitten me, but I have not weakened; I have refused to take correction and have made my face harder than rock, Jeremiah 5:3(NASB) and the rod has not removed the foolishness out of my heart. Proverbs 22:15(NASB)

You have corrected me with the rod of men and the strokes of the sons of men, 2 Samuel 7:14(NASB) yet I have not turned back to Him who struck me, nor have I sought the LORD of hosts. Isaiah 9:13(NASB)

When some have been overthrown as Sodom and Gomorrah were, I have been like a firebrand snatched from the blaze; yet I have not returned to You, O LORD. Amos 4:11(NASB) Your hand has been lifted up, yet I have not seen it. Isaiah 26:11(NASB)

The more vows and promises I have made of better obedience, the greater has my sin been.

I have not fulfilled the words of the covenant which I have made before You; Jeremiah 34:18(NASB) but being treacherous, I have dealt treacherously. Isaiah 24:16(NASB)

Did I not say, “I would not transgress, Jeremiah 2:20(KJV) I would not offend anymore?” Job 34:31(NASB) I did, and yet I have returned with the dog to its own vomit; 2 Peter 2:22(NASB) I have turned back to folly after God has spoken peace. Psalm 85:8(NASB)

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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)