Pray Ephesians 2:1-5
"That prayer is most likely to pierce Heaven, which first pierces one's own heart." - Thomas Watson
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts.
Father, forgive us our sins. Expose the slavery and death into which sin deceives us. May your Holy Spirit’s work displace the work of lying spirits. Give us a distaste for disobeying you. For the sinful desires and thoughts we once craved, give us a wise disgust. Forgive us even for craving sin, as well as how we followed after those desires. Help us to remember that the palate of our soul has been cleansed from these sins. Whet our appetite for true spiritual food and drink. Work within us a hunger and thirst for your righteousness.
Pray for someone who is still dead in their transgressions and sins. Ask God to give them a new hunger and thirst for Jesus’s righteousness. Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35).
Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
Abba, lead us not into temptation. Thank you, LORD, for your rich mercy toward us sinners. We pray for greater gratitude, empowering holy lives in Christ.
Show us anew the greatness of your love. Contrast the deadness of our previous sin with the vitality of your glorious grace. Through delight in our new life with Christ, keep us from desiring or craving to return to our sin.
Pray for someone in your local Church who feels excessive, persistent guilt and shame over their sin. Ask God to give them the abundant joy of new life in Christ. That the eyes of their heart would be enlightened to the power of Christ’s resurrection. Then — overpowering their sense of guilt and shame — for an overflow of joy and peace and righteousness in their heart through an outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit.
I like the statement, "Forgive us for even craving sin." This cuts right to the heart of Jeremiah 17:9. It's true, the heart, my heart, is naturally deceitfully wicked above all things!
Yet, Jesus was tempted in every way that I am, and he succeeded in victory over sin! I am so grateful for His sacrifice of his own life for me.
My prayer is that I would strive daily to live in purity for Him daily, free from the entanglement of sin.
This is rich. I really appreciate the specific prayer points which help direct my heart to pray effectively for others. Thank you, Carter. These posts draw my heart to Christ always.