A Prayer About Good Grief
You became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 2 Corinthians 7:9-10
Jesus, today I’m praying about my heart, in particular my heart’s convict-ability. Let me start by saying I cannot overestimate the joy and peace I have in being able to affirm, “There is now (and forever) NO condemnation for those who are in Christ” (Rom. 8:1). How I praise you for completely exhausting the judgment I deserve for the multiple ways I fail to love and serve God, and my neighbors, the way I was designed.
But I’m seeing how I tend to I take this good news of no condemnation for my sin to imply the untrue news of no conviction about my sin. My sense is that I just don’t take sin as seriously as I should. I know this isn’t right, so I need your help, Holy Spirit.
In particular, it’s been too easy for me quietly to indulge a critical condescending spirit towards people, and yet at the same time I’m aware of how much I really want people’s approval. How crazy is that? I’m also aware of the ever lurking enticements of sexual lust and greed for more “stuff”. Left to myself, I will be a foolish man, Jesus.
Father, bring me to a fresh place of godly sorrow for my sin-the kind of good grief that will lead me to repent more quickly and yet not get weighed down with vain regrets. I know you don’t want me to put my conscience back under the law, but I’m equally sure you DO want me to live with my conscience under the gospel. For there is no power like grace that can possibly convict me, humble me, gentle me, and strengthen me for a life of loving well to the glory of God.
This is one prayer, Lord, I have no doubt about your readiness to answer affirmatively… in my life and in the lives of dear friends and family. Great is your faithfulness, kind are your ways, and sufficient is your grace. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.