Matthew Henry’s “Method For Prayer”

Acknowledge the Great Evil of Sin, its Sinfulness and Foolishness

Confession 2.12 | NIV

I must acknowledge the great evil that there is in sin, and in my sin; the malignity of its nature, and its mischievousness to me.

The sinfulness of sin.

O that sin might be recognized as sin to me and appear in its own colors; and that through the commandment I might see it to be utterly sinful, Romans 7:13(NIV) because it is lawlessness. 1 John 3:4(NIV)

By every willful sin I have in effect said, “I don’t want this man to be my king.” Luke 19:14(NIV) And, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey him?” Exodus 5:2(NIV) And thus have I blasphemed the LORD, Numbers 15:30(NIV) and put his law behind my back. Nehemiah 9:26(NIV)

The foolishness of sin.

You know my folly, O God; and my guilt is not hidden from you. Psalm 69:5(NIV) I was foolish in being disobedient, Titus 3:3(NIV) and my desires are foolish and harmful. 1 Timothy 6:9(NIV)

Folly was bound up in my heart when I was a child; Proverbs 22:15(NIV) for though vain man would be wise, he is born like the wild donkey’s colt. Job 11:12(KJV)

My way has been my folly, Psalm 49:13(KJV) and in many instances I have done very foolishly. 2 Samuel 24:10(NIV)

I have been senseless and ignorant, and even as a brute beast before God. Psalm 73:22(NIV)

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