What can you do when junk starts creeping back into your life and you find yourself straying off God’s path for your life?
How do you react when an old addiction tries to take control of your actions and you’re tempted to do something you know you shouldn’t? How do you respond when you feel offense taking control of your emotions and making you into a person you don’t want to be? In the last newsletter we discussed how the 8 R’s (Recognize, Take Responsibility, Repent, Renounce, Remove, Resist, Rejoice and Restore) can help you clear your land of the junk that tries to grow back. Today we want to discuss a tool you can use when you practice the 8 R’s – a prayer that will put you back in control. It’s the Prayer of Repentance and Renunciation.
Repentance is a very misunderstood word these days. The dictionary defines repentance as “sincere regret or remorse” but it is so much more than simple sorrow for our actions. For us as Christians, repentance means to turn away from our sinful actions. It means turning your back on your own inclinations, turning away from doing things your way and submitting without reservation to God’s way. It means making a decision, a choice, to lay down your rebellion. You repent because it is right and obedience to God, but you also repent because you love God the Father so much that you want to be your very best for Him. Repentance is the guide to get you back on the right path of life.
There are many verses in the Bible about the great blessings for those who repent and walk in righteousness, and the dangers for those who don’t.
His soul will dwell in prosperity and goodness,
And his descendants will inherit the land. (Psalms 25:13 AMP)
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.. (Luke 15:7 NIV)
Whenever you Recognize that something is going wrong in your life, it’s time to confront it head-on.
.
So whenever you see evidence of the enemy encroaching on your land, it’s time to take Responsibility, Repent and Renounce that spirit. 2 Chronicles 7:14 tells us:
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Just substitute whatever spirit has invaded your life and pray the following prayer with deep and heartfelt passion. There is power in the words we speak with enthusiasm and deep belief.
FATHER GOD,
I recognize, repent and renounce believing and participating with the spirit of (name yours, e.g. rejection). I take responsibility for myself and my generations past and present. I am sorry. Against You God and You only have I sinned. Jesus, thank You for all that You did on the Cross so that I can be totally forgiven and set free. I receive my forgiveness and freedom now, in Jesus name by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Print out this prayer and keep it in your purse or wallet. It’s a valuable tool to have handy when temptation comes knocking on your door!