Start with Praise: 7 Empowering PrayersSample

Confession Brings Rest and Refreshment

Holding on to our sins wears us out, brings us down, entangles us and ultimately can destroy us and our loved ones. I think King David describes well the burden of holding on to our sins. Below are his words before the confession of his sins. His whole body felt the crushing pressure that hidden sin brings, demonstrating what happens when sin goes further than you ever imagine, beyond our own intentions or solutions.

There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your indignation;
There is no health in my bones because of my sin.
For my iniquities are gone over my head;
As a heavy burden they weigh too much for me.
My wounds grow foul and fester because of my folly.
I am bent over and greatly bowed down;
I go mourning all day long.
For my loins are filled with burning,
And there is no soundness in my flesh.
I am benumbed and badly crushed;
I groan because of the agitation of my heart.
(Psalm 38:3-8)

King David, a man after God’s own heart, tried to cover his sin, which only led to lies, murder, and his entire family and nation being stricken with trouble. Yet God came to David so David could confess his sins and be free. At the end of his life, King David was a leader who was highly respected and was able to impact God’s children for generations to come.

At Moms in Prayer International headquarters we receive so many stories of young prodigals who are exhausted from drugs, alcohol, lifestyle choices, lies, and all that sin brings. They tell us they are weary, even to the point of lying on the floor and not being able to lift their bodies from the ground. They wish to die so the pain, suffering, and bondage created by their sin will stop.

It is there they come to the end of themselves. It is there they call upon God, who has always been there, and hears and answers their prayers! Once they confess to God their sins and ask Him for help, He empowers them to the fullness of freedom.

The picture of the prodigal son in the Bible always touches me. The father is waiting for the son to return and comes running to the prodigal as the prodigal turns from his sin and heads back to the father. Read below and see how Jesus describes it.

So he [the prodigal son] got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his slaves, “Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.” And they began to celebrate (Luke 15:20-24).

The moms I know who have prodigals never give up. They persevere in prayer for them, even when it’s hard or a positive answer seems impossible. Romans 8:34 says, “Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.” You and I have Jesus praying for us, and He never quits. “Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).

Now you may say you’re not a prodigal or have never sinned like King David, but any sin will have lasting effect and bondage. We must confess and repent any sin that entangles or hinders us.

It’s not hard to tell if we are holding onto sin, is it? When we are downtrodden, weary, lacking joy, we might be in desperate need for the heavy burden of a sin to be lifted by the Lord.

Take it to Jesus. Jesus came to free us from our sins!

Jesus not only died for the penalty of our sins, but to defeat the hold they have in our lives. We must confess our sins and repent of them so we can find rest for our souls.

According to the Easton Bible Dictionary, the definition of true repentance includes “a true sense of one’s own guilt and sinfulness” and a “turning from it to God.” You and I get to turn away from the ugliness and destruction of our sins and turn toward Jesus. What we will see is the beautiful loving face of our Savior and the refreshment for our souls!

Come. Come find rest for your weary soul.

PRAISE
Lord, You are our Savior who can save us completely. You are waiting with loving arms open wide to receive us to Yourself. You always live to intercede for us! I praise You, Lord.

CONFESSION
Lord, the weight of my sin is too much for me to carry. Today, I confess…And I repent and turn to You!

THANKSGIVING
Lord, thank You so much for carrying my burden, for giving me rest for my weary soul.

INTERCESSION
Jesus, help _______ remain in Your love, obeying Your commands, so that he/she will be filled with Your joy to overflowing!
(From John 15:10-11)

PETITION
Jesus, help me remain in Your love, obeying Your commands, so that I will be filled with Your joy to overflowing. You command me to give You my burdens so You can give me rest for my soul. Please help me follow that command, to hand You my burdens and not pick them back up again.
(From John 15:10-11 and Matthew 11:28-29)