A Prayer about Good Grief over Sin
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 Cor. 7:9–10 NIV)
Holy and loving Jesus, today I’m praying about my heart, in particular my heart’s convictability. It would be impossible for me to overstate the joy and peace I have in being able to affirm, “There is now [and forever] no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1 NIV). How I praise you for completely exhausting the judgment I deserve for the multiple ways I fail to love God and my neighbors as commanded.
But I’m seeing a disconnect between the good news of no condemnation for my sin and the very important news of deep conviction about my sin. Through recent circumstances and in certain relationships, I can see that I haven’t been taking my sin as seriously as I should. I know this isn’t right, so I need your help. If anything, the gospel of grace should make for quicker and more repentances, not fewer.
To be specific, I’m seeing how I indulge a critical spirit toward some people, and at the same time I work so hard to maintain the approval of others. I’m also aware of the fresh enticements of sexual lust and greed for more “stuff.” Left to myself, I am capable of acting out in very foolish and destructive ways.
Jesus, 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.
Great is your faithfulness, kind are your ways, and sufficient is your grace. I pray in the wonders of your name.
Amen.