Category: NIV First Person

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Method for Prayer NIV First Person

Plead with God His Goodness and Readiness to Forgive Sin

Petition 3.2 | NIV

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 are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you. Psalm 86:5(NIV) You are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15(NIV)

You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love; Nehemiah 9:17(NIV) you do not always accuse, nor will you harbor your anger forever. Psalm 103:9(NIV)

You, even you, are he who blots out my transgressions, for your own sake, and remembers my sins no more. I am here to review the past for you, to argue the matter together, and to state the case for my innocence in Christ, Isaiah 43:25-26(NIV) who has taken my judgment.

And now, I plead with you, let the Lord’s strength be displayed, just as you have declared: “The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion.” In accordance with your great love, forgive my sin and the sin of your people, just as you have pardoned us even until now. Numbers 14:17-19(NIV)

For who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of your inheritance? Who does not stay angry forever but delights to show mercy? O that you would have compassion on us and tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:18-19(NIV)

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Method for Prayer NIV First Person

Earnestly Pray for the Forgiveness of your Sins

Petition 3.1 | NIV

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 at a distance and would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast; and I pray his prayer, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ Luke 18:13(NIV) The God of infinite mercy be merciful to me.

O wash away all my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin; for I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Psalm 51:2-3(NIV) O cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow; Psalm 51:7(NIV) hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Psalm 51:9(NIV)

Forgive my wickedness and remember my sins no more. Hebrews 8:12(NIV) O cancel all my great debt. Matthew 18:32(NIV)

Let me be justified freely by your grace, through the redemption that came by Jesus, Romans 3:24(NIV) from everything which I could not be justified from by the law of Moses. Acts 13:39(NIV)

O let not my sin be my downfall; Ezekiel 18:30(NIV) but let the LORD take away my sin, that I may not die, 2 Samuel 12:13(NIV) not die eternally; that I may not be hurt by the second death. Revelation 2:11(NIV)

Sweep away my offenses like a cloud, my sins like the morning mist; I return to you, for you have redeemed me. Isaiah 44:22(NIV)

Do not bring your servant into judgment, O Lord, for no one living is righteous before you. Psalm 143:2(NIV)

Forgive all my sins and receive me graciously; heal my waywardness and love me freely; let your anger be turned away from me, for in you the fatherless find compassion. Hosea 14:2-4(NIV)

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

I will say to God, “Do not condemn me, Job 10:2(NIV) but spare me from going down to the pit, for you have found the ransom for me.”

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Method for Prayer NIV First Person

Introduction to Petition

Petition 3.0 | NIV

Of the Third Part of Prayer, which is Petition and Supplication for the Good Things that 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(NIV) 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(NIV) 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(NIV)

But now, Lord, what do I look for? Truly my hope is in you. Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools. Psalm 39:7-8(NIV)

All my longings lie open before you, O Lord; and my sighing is not hidden from you, Psalm 38:9(NIV) even the sighs and groans that words cannot express; for, he who searches my heart knows the mind of the Spirit. Romans 8:26-27(NIV)

I do not think that I will be heard because of my many words, for my Father knows what I need before I ask him; Matthew 6:7-8(NIV) but my Master has told me that whatever I ask the Father in his name, he will give it to me. And he has said, “Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” John 16:23-24(NIV)

This is the confidence I have in approaching God: that if I ask anything according to his will, he hears me. And if I know that he hears me – whatever I ask – I know that I have what I asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15(NIV)

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Method for Prayer NIV First Person

Humbly Profess your Sorrow and Shame for Sin

Confession 2.20 | NIV

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 near, Matthew 3:2(NIV) to which you have exalted your Son, Christ Jesus, to give repentance and forgiveness of sins. Acts 5:31(NIV)

My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes; Job 42:5-6(NIV) therefore will I be like a dove of the valley, moaning because of my sins. Ezekiel 7:16(NIV)

Oh, that my head were a spring of water and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night for my transgressions, Jeremiah 9:1(NIV) and might in such a manner sow in those tears as that at last I may reap in joy; may now go forth weeping, carrying seed to sow, and may in due time return with songs of joy, carrying in my sheaves with me. Psalm 126:5-6(NIV)

My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear; Psalm 38:4(NIV) but weary and burdened, I come to Christ, who has promised me that in him I shall find rest for my soul. Matthew 11:28(NIV)

O knowing the afflictions of my own heart, 1 Kings 8:38(NIV) may I look on him whom I have pierced, and may I mourn and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son. Zechariah 12:10(NIV) That I may sorrow with godly sorrow, which brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret; 2 Corinthians 7:10(NIV) and that I may remember and be ashamed and never again open my mouth because of my humiliation, when you make atonement for me. Ezekiel 16:63(NIV)

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

I have strayed like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands. Psalm 119:176(NIV)

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Method for Prayer NIV First Person

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

Confession 2.19 | NIV

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 forbearance of God! Romans 2:4(NIV) How patient he is with me, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9(NIV)

You have not treated me as my sins deserve or repaid me according to my iniquities, Psalm 103:10(NIV) but you rather long to be gracious to me. Isaiah 30:18(NIV)

The sentence for my crimes against you has not been quickly carried out, Ecclesiastes 8:11(NIV) but you have given me time to repent and make my peace with you, Revelation 2:21(NIV) and call even faithless people, such as myself, to return to you, having promised to cure me of backsliding; and therefore, behold, I come to you, for you are the LORD my God. Jeremiah 3:22(NIV)

Surely the Lord’s patience means salvation; 2 Peter 3:15(NIV) and if the Lord had meant to kill me, he would not now have shown me all these things. Judges 13:23(NIV)

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

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

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Method for Prayer NIV First Person

Understand the Condemning Nature of your Sin

Confession 2.18 | NIV

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

And now, O my God, what can I say after this? For I have disregarded the commands. Ezra 9:10(NIV) I have sinned; what have I done to you, you watcher of men? Job 7:20(NIV)

I know that the law curses everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law; Galatians 3:10(NIV) that the wages of every sin is death; Romans 6:23(NIV) and that for these things’ sake God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Ephesians 5:6(NIV)

And I am held accountable to God; Romans 3:19(NIV) the Scripture declares me a prisoner of sin; Galatians 3:22(NIV) and therefore you might justly be angry enough with me to destroy me, so that I should not be left among your remnant or your survivors. Ezra 9:14(NIV)

If you should make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line, Isaiah 28:17(NIV) you might justly separate me to all evil, according to all the curses of the covenant, and blot out my name from under heaven. Deuteronomy 29:20(KJV)

You might justly declare on oath in your anger that I should never enter your rest; Psalm 95:11(NIV) might justly strip me naked and bare, Hosea 2:3(NIV) and take away my grain when it ripens, Hosea 2:9(NIV) and put into my hands the goblet that makes men stagger, and make me drain it to its dregs. Isaiah 51:17(NIV)

You have been just in all that you have been pleased to lay upon me; for you have acted faithfully, while I have done wrong. Nehemiah 9:33(NIV) Indeed, you, my God, have punished me less than my sins have deserved. Ezra 9:13(NIV)

You therefore shall be proved right when you speak and justified when you judge; Psalm 51:4(NIV) and I will accept the punishment for my sins, Leviticus 26:43(KJV) and humble myself under your mighty hand, 1 Peter 5:6(NIV) and say, “The LORD is just.” 2 Chronicles 12:6(NIV)

Why should any living man complain when punished for his sins? Lamentations 3:39(NIV) No, I will bear the LORD’s wrath, because I have sinned against him. Micah 7:9(NIV)

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

Confession 2.17 | NIV

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

You have struck me, but I have not grieved; I have refused correction and have made my face harder than stone, Jeremiah 5:3(KJV) and the rod has not driven the folly out of my heart. Proverbs 22:15(NIV)

You have punished me with the rod of men and with floggings inflicted by men, 2 Samuel 7:14(NIV) yet I have not returned to you who struck me, nor have I sought the LORD Almighty. Isaiah 9:13(NIV)

When some have been overthrown as Sodom and Gomorrah were, I have been like a burning stick snatched from the fire; yet I have not returned to you, O LORD. Amos 4:11(NIV) And when your hand has been lifted high, I have not seen it. Isaiah 26:11(NIV)

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

I have not fulfilled the terms of the covenant which I have made before you; Jeremiah 34:18(NIV) but being treacherous, I have betrayed with treachery. Isaiah 24:16(NIV)

Did I not say, “I would not transgress, Jeremaih 2:20(KJV) I would offend no more?” Job 34:31(NIV) I did, and yet I have returned with the dog to its vomit; 2 Peter 2:22(NIV) I have returned to folly after God has promised peace. Psalm 85:8(NIV)

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

Confession 2.16 | NIV

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

You have reared me as a child and brought me up, but I have rebelled against you. Isaiah 1:2(NIV)

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

I have not responded to the kindness you have shown me. 2 Chronicles 32:25(NIV)

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.

Even after many rebukes, I have remained stiff-necked, Proverbs 29:1(NIV) and have kept on in my willful ways. Isaiah 57:17(NIV)

You have sent to me, saying, “Do not do this detestable thing that I hate!” But I have not listened or paid attention. Jeremiah 44:4-5(NIV)

The word of God has been to me: Do and do, and rule on rule; Isaiah 28:13(NIV) and though I have looked at my face in a mirror, yet I have gone away and immediately forgotten what I look like. James 1:23-24(NIV)

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

Confession 2.15 | NIV

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 rebellion in my sins. Leviticus 16:21(NIV)

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 be beaten with many blows. Luke 12:47(NIV)

I have known the way of the LORD and the requirements of my God, and yet have broken off the yoke and torn off the bonds. Jeremiah 5:4-5(NIV)

I have known God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, and yet I have not only continued to do them but have approved of those who practice them. Romans 1:32(NIV)

I have taught others, and yet have not taught myself; Romans 2:21(NIV) and while I claim to know God, I have in actions denied him. Titus 1:16(NIV)

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

I call myself a citizen of the holy city and rely on the God of Israel and invoke his name, but not in truth or righteousness. Isaiah 48:1-2(NIV) For I have dishonored that worthy name by which I have been called, James 2:23(NIV) and by doing this I have made the enemies of the LORD show utter contempt. 2 Samuel 12:14(NIV)

I have confessed the name of the Lord, and yet have not turned away from wickedness. 2 Timothy 2:19(NIV)

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

Confession 2.14 | NIV

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

I have dishonored God by breaking the law, Romans 2:23(NIV) and have spurned the Holy One of Israel, Isaiah 1:4(NIV) and bitterly provoked him to anger. Hosea 12:14(NIV) And many a thing that I have done has displeased the LORD. 2 Samuel 11:27(NIV)

God has been grieved by my adulterous heart and my eyes that have lusted after my idols. Ezekiel 6:9(NIV)

I have tested him and tried him and angered him in the wilderness; Psalm 95:9-10(NIV) have rebelled, and grieved his Holy Spirit, Isaiah 63:10(NIV) and pressed him with my iniquities, as a cart is pressed when loaded with grain. Amos 2:13(KJV)

I have grieved the Holy Spirit of God, with whom I was sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30(NIV)

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

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

My iniquities have separated me from my God, Isaiah 59:2(NIV) and have deprived me of good; Jeremiah 5:25(NIV) and by them, my mind and conscience have been corrupted. Titus 1:15(NIV)

My own wickedness has punished me, and backslidings have rebuked me; and I cannot but consider and realize how evil and bitter it is for me when I forsake the LORD my God and have no awe of him. Jeremiah 2:19(NIV)

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