How we can ask for forgiveness

At Redeemer Church London, we’re currently working our way through the book of Romans, which is found in the New Testament of the Bible.

Each Sunday in our services, we’re hearing a talk about a passage from the book – and then looking further into it in during weekly Gospel Community small groups.

We recently considered Romans 3v10-18 which looks at how everyone is guilty of sin before God. But the good news is that we can find redemption through asking for forgiveness!

To help find the words to say, church member MANDY HUDSON has put together this wonderful prayer asking for forgiveness based on the passage.

The response after each line is ‘Oh Lord hear, Oh Lord forgive’, which is taken from Daniel 9v19. Here is the prayer in full:

Forgive us Lord, when we try to be righteous through our own efforts. No one is righteous. Only You.

Forgive us for not understanding You and Your great love for us. Sometimes, through ignorance, but mostly because we want to seem wise in our own eyes.

Forgive us when we don’t seek You, despite the fact that You want us to find You.

Forgive us that we often turn aside from Your narrow path walking the broad path which only leads us away from You.

Forgive us Lord, when we squander the gifts and talents You have given us on worthless, temporary things which won’t last and don’t give you the profit you deserve.

Lord, we acknowledge that none of us do any good without You. Help us allow Your Holy Spirit grow His fruit of goodness in us.

Lord, forgive us when our throats are like an open tomb speaking negative words which bring discouragement and despair.

Lord, forgive us when we lie and try to deceive You and others to save our own reputation.

We confess we can be spiteful and say mean things about other people. It’s as if our lips are full of poison.

Lord, please stop swear words and bitter talk coming out of our mouths. Please replace them with Your words of gentleness, kindness and love.

Lord, You know how angry we can get with other people to such an extent that our thoughts are murderous.

Forgive us when we bring destruction and misery to others because of our selfish attitudes and actions.

We don’t know how to bring peace to our own hearts, our families, communities or world. Please teach us to be your blessed peace makers.

Forgive us that we don’t fear You, when we treat you without proper respect, awe and reverence.

We confess we are all sinners, guilty and deserving of condemnation by You, Holy, Mighty God. We cannot be justified by anything other than the precious, gracious blood of Jesus.

Amen.

Lockdown Diaries - Mandy

Today we launch a new blog series - Lockdown Diaries, where we hear from members of our Redeemer family about how they have seen God at work in their lives, even in the middle of the current lockdown.

Today’s lockdown diary is written by Mandy Hudson.

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“We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”

 2 Chronicles 20v12

We are living through probably the most unsettling few weeks of our lives.

I’ve been a Christian for over forty-three years now and have been blessed by having a close relationship with Jesus. My personal circumstances haven’t always been easy, but God has proved His faithfulness time and time again.

Just before lockdown, my care needs had been re-assessed by adult social care. The process, which had been nothing short of traumatic three years ago was miraculously completed in eight weeks enabling me to benefit from agency care when the social isolation rules were enforced.

This is just one example of God’s marvellous provision for me in these difficult times we are all facing. 

The most unsettling part of this crisis for me was when we were moving towards lockdown. I found myself having to shift gear from a life hurtling at great speed to a complete standstill in a matter of days.

I wasn’t at all well when the lockdown began. It’s at these times of greatest weakness, I find that God makes His power and strength perfect. He proves His grace is sufficient. (2 Corinthians 12 v9). What a comfort to be safe resting in Jesus at these times.

Don’t get me wrong - these are tough times. 

I thought I’d be able to roll along in my own little happy spiritual bubble – until the morning I woke up to find someone had dumped a bed immediately outside my flat. I was so angry and upset by it. I had to realise one can never escape one’s own bad temper!

Thank you, Jesus, that you love us unconditionally and are constantly refining our character. These weeks are the perfect opportunity to learn more about how we live life to the full as we keep our eyes fixed on Him

Hallelujah!

Mandy Hudson