Category: NIV First Person

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Method for Prayer NIV First Person

Consider your Evil Sins in Light of the Mercies and Warnings of God

Confession 2.16 | NIV

The more mercies I have received from God, the greater has been my sin.

You have reared me as a child and brought me up, but I have rebelled against you. Isaiah 1:2(NIV)

I have ill repaid you, O LORD, as a foolish and unwise person: You are my Father, my Creator, who made me and formed me, yet my mark has not been the mark of one of your children. Deuteronomy 32:5-6(KJV)

I have not responded to the kindness you have shown me. 2 Chronicles 32:25(NIV)

The fairer warning I have had from the word of God and from my own conscience concerning my danger of sin and danger by sin, the greater is the sin if I go on in it.

Even after many rebukes, I have remained stiff-necked, Proverbs 29:1(NIV) and have kept on in my willful ways. Isaiah 57:17(NIV)

You have sent to me, saying, “Do not do this detestable thing that I hate!” But I have not listened or paid attention. Jeremiah 44:4-5(NIV)

The word of God has been to me: Do and do, and rule on rule; Isaiah 28:13(NIV) and though I have looked at my face in a mirror, yet I have gone away and immediately forgotten what I look like. James 1:23-24(NIV)

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Method for Prayer NIV First Person

Consider your Evil Sins in Light of your Moral Knowledge and Profession of Faith

Confession 2.15 | NIV

I must aggravate* my sins and take notice of those things which make them more heinous in the sight of God and more dangerous to myself.

I bewail before you all my sins, and all my rebellion in my sins. Leviticus 16:21(NIV)

The more knowledge I have of good and evil, the greater is my sin.

I have known my Master’s will but have not done it, and therefore deserve to be beaten with many blows. Luke 12:47(NIV)

I have known the way of the LORD and the requirements of my God, and yet have broken off the yoke and torn off the bonds. Jeremiah 5:4-5(NIV)

I have known God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, and yet I have not only continued to do them but have approved of those who practice them. Romans 1:32(NIV)

I have taught others, and yet have not taught myself; Romans 2:21(NIV) and while I claim to know God, I have in actions denied him. Titus 1:16(NIV)

The greater profession I have made of religion, the greater has been my sin.

I call myself a citizen of the holy city and rely on the God of Israel and invoke his name, but not in truth or righteousness. Isaiah 48:1-2(NIV) For I have dishonored that worthy name by which I have been called, James 2:23(NIV) and by doing this I have made the enemies of the LORD show utter contempt. 2 Samuel 12:14(NIV)

I have confessed the name of the Lord, and yet have not turned away from wickedness. 2 Timothy 2:19(NIV)

* The author means that we must look at our sins in the worst light, to see just how evil they are, taking into account the persons we have offended, the nature of the offense, the circumstances of our sin, etc. See The Westminster Larger Catechism, Questions 150 and 151. Editor.

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Method for Prayer NIV First Person

Acknowledge that Sin is an Affront to the Holy God and Damages the Soul

Confession 2.14 | NIV

The offense which by sin I have given to the Holy God.

I have dishonored God by breaking the law, Romans 2:23(NIV) and have spurned the Holy One of Israel, Isaiah 1:4(NIV) and bitterly provoked him to anger. Hosea 12:14(NIV) And many a thing that I have done has displeased the LORD. 2 Samuel 11:27(NIV)

God has been grieved by my adulterous heart and my eyes that have lusted after my idols. Ezekiel 6:9(NIV)

I have tested him and tried him and angered him in the wilderness; Psalm 95:9-10(NIV) have rebelled, and grieved his Holy Spirit, Isaiah 63:10(NIV) and pressed him with my iniquities, as a cart is pressed when loaded with grain. Amos 2:13(KJV)

I have grieved the Holy Spirit of God, with whom I was sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30(NIV)

The damage which by sin I have done to my own soul and its great interests.

By my sins I have sold myself; Isaiah 50:1(NIV) and in sinning against you, I have wronged my own soul. Proverbs 8:36(KJV)

My iniquities have separated me from my God, Isaiah 59:2(NIV) and have deprived me of good; Jeremiah 5:25(NIV) and by them, my mind and conscience have been corrupted. Titus 1:15(NIV)

My own wickedness has punished me, and backslidings have rebuked me; and I cannot but consider and realize how evil and bitter it is for me when I forsake the LORD my God and have no awe of him. Jeremiah 2:19(NIV)

O what fools are they who mock at sin! Proverbs 14:9(KJV)

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Method for Prayer NIV First Person

Acknowledge the Great Evil of Sin, its Unprofitableness and Deceitfulness

Confession 2.13 | NIV

The unprofitableness of sin.

I have sinned and perverted what was right, but it did not profit me. Job 33:27(NIV)

What benefit did I reap from those things that I am now ashamed of, seeing that they result in death? Romans 6:21(NIV) And what good will it be if I should gain the whole world, yet forfeit my soul? Matthew 16:26(NIV)

The deceitfulness of sin.

Sin has deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death; Romans 7:11(NIV) for my heart has been hardened by sin’s deceitfulness, Hebrews 3:13(NIV) and by my own evil desire I have been dragged away and enticed. James 1:14(NIV)

It has promised me freedom, but has made me a slave of depravity; 2 Peter 2:19(NIV) has promised me that I will not surely die and that I will be like God, Genesis 3:4-5(NIV) but it has flattered me and spread a net for my feet. Proverbs 29:5(NIV)

The pride of my heart, particularly, has deceived me. Obadiah 1:3(NIV)

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Method for Prayer NIV First Person

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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Method for Prayer NIV First Person

Bewail your Sins of the Tongue and Spiritual Sloth

Confession 2.11 | NIV

My tongue sins.

When words are many, sin is not absent; Proverbs 10:19(NIV) nor can a man full of talk be vindicated. Job 11:2(NIV)

While the lips of the righteous nourish many, Proverbs 10:21(NIV) my lips have gushed folly, Proverbs 15:2(NIV) and known what is perverse. Proverbs 10:32(NIV)

Much unwholesome talk has come out of my mouth; that foolish talk and coarse joking, which are out of place, Ephesians 5:4(NIV) and little of that which is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it might benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29(NIV)

If men will have to give account for every careless word they have spoken, and if by my words I must be acquitted and by my words I must be condemned, Matthew 12:36-37(NIV) woe to me! I am ruined! For I am of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips. Isaiah 6:5(NIV)

What would become of me, if God should turn my own tongue against me and bring me to ruin? Psalm 64:8(NIV)

My spiritual slothfulness and decay.

I have been lacking in zeal and have not kept my spiritual fervor in serving the Lord. Romans 12:11(NIV)

The things which remain are about to die, and my deeds have not been found complete in the sight of God. Revelation 3:2(NIV)

I have watched the wind, and therefore have not planted; have looked at the clouds, and therefore have not reaped; Ecclesiastes 11:4(NIV) and with the sluggard have frightened myself with the fancy of a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets, and have turned on my bed as the door on its hinges, Proverbs 26:13-14(NIV) still crying, “A little sleep, a little slumber.” Proverbs 6:10(NIV)

I have lost my first love; Revelation 2:4(NIV) what has happened to all of my joy? Galatians 4:15(NIV)

My love has been like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears. Hosea 6:4(NIV)

And that which is at the bottom of all is the sinful, unbelieving heart in me, which inclines me to turn away from the living God. Hebrews 3:12(NIV)

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Method for Prayer NIV First Person

Bewail your Lack of Love for Others

Confession 2.10 | NIV

My uncharitableness towards my brethren, and unpeaceableness with my relations, neighbors, and friends, and perhaps injustice towards them.

I have been very guilty concerning my brother; Genesis 42:21(KJV) for I have not made every effort to do what leads to peace or to mutual edification. Romans 14:19(NIV)

I have been ready to judge my brother and to look down on him, forgetting that I must shortly stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Romans 14:10(NIV)

Contrary to the royal law of love, I have boasted and been proud, have been rude and self-seeking; I have been easily angered, have delighted in evil, 1 Corinthians 13:4-6(NIV) and have secretly gloated over disaster. Proverbs 17:5(NIV)

I have been conceited, provoking and envying others, Galatians 5:26(NIV) when I should have considered how to spur others on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24(NIV)

I have not had pity on those who are in need; 1 John 3:17(NIV) and I have turned away from my own flesh and blood. Isaiah 58:7(NIV) Indeed, perhaps I have shown ill will toward my needy brother, Deuteronomy 15:9(NIV) and have insulted the poor. James 2:6(NIV)

And if in anything I have wronged my brother or taken advantage of him, 1 Thessalonians 4:6(NIV) if I have walked in falsehood or my foot has hurried after deceit, Job 31:5(NIV) or my hands have been defiled, Job 31:7(NIV) Lord, discover it to me, that if I have done wrong, I may not do so again. Job 34:32(NIV)

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Method for Prayer NIV First Person

Bewail your False Security, Fretfulness, and Impatience

Confession 2.9 | NIV

My security and unmindfulness of the changes I am liable to in this world.

I have put off the evil day, Amos 6:3(NIV) and feeling secure have said, “I will never be shaken,” Psalm 30:6(NIV) as if tomorrow will have to be like today, or even far better. Isaiah 56:12(NIV)

I have encouraged myself to take life easy; to eat, drink, and be merry, as if I had plenty of good things laid up for many years, when perhaps this very night my life will be demanded from me. Luke 12:19-20(NIV)

I have been ready to put my hope in wealth, rather than in God; 1 Timothy 6:17(NIV) to put my trust in gold, and say to pure gold, “You are my security.” Job 31:24(NIV)

My fretfulness and impatience and murmuring under my afflictions, my inordinate dejection and distrust of God and his providence.

When you have disciplined me, and I have been disciplined, I have been like an unruly calf; Jeremiah 31:18(NIV) and though my own folly has ruined my life, yet my heart has raged against the LORD; Proverbs 19:3(NIV) and thus, in my time of trouble I have become even more unfaithful to the LORD. 2 Chronicles 28:22(NIV)

I have either despised the LORD’s discipline or resented his rebuke; Proverbs 3:11(NIV) and if I falter in times of trouble, how small is my strength. Proverbs 24:10(NIV)

I have said in my alarm, “I am cut off from your sight!” Psalm 31:22(NIV) and, “The LORD has forsaken me, my God has forgotten me”; Isaiah 49:14(NIV) as if God would never show his favor again, Psalm 77:7(NIV) as if he had forgotten to be merciful and had in anger withheld his compassion.  This has been my infirmity. Psalm 77:9-10(NIV)

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Method for Prayer NIV First Person

Bewail your Anger, Love of the World, and Love of the Flesh

Confession 2.8 | NIV

The breaking out of passion and rash anger.

I have lacked self-control and have therefore been like a city whose walls are broken down. Proverbs 25:28(NIV)

I have been quickly provoked, and anger has resided in my lap. Ecclesiastes 7:9(NIV) And when my spirit has been provoked, I have spoken rashly with my lips, Psalm 106:33(NIV) and have been guilty of that brawling and bitterness which I should have gotten rid of. Ephesians 4:31(NIV)

My covetousness and love of the world.

My life has not been free from the love of money, Hebrews 13:5(NIV) nor have I learned to be content, whatever the circumstances, with what I have. Philippians 4:11(NIV)

Who can say that he is clean from that love of money which is a root of all kinds of evil, 1 Timothy 6:10(NIV) that greed which is idolatry? Colossians 3:5(NIV)

I have sought great things for myself when you have said, “Seek them not.” Jeremiah 45:5(NIV)

My sensuality and flesh-pleasing.

I have set my mind on what the sinful nature desires more than on what the Spirit desires, Romans 8:5(NIV) and have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence, and have fattened myself as in a day of slaughter. James 5:5(NIV)

I have thought about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature, Romans 13:14(NIV) even those sinful desires which war against my soul; 1 Peter 2:11(NIV) and in many instances, I have acted as if I had been a lover of pleasure more than a lover of God. 2 Timothy 3:4(NIV)

When I was eating and drinking, was I not just feasting for myself? Zechariah 7:6(NIV)

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Method for Prayer NIV First Person

Bewail your Many Actual Transgressions, Especially your Pride

Confession 2.7 | NIV

I must likewise bewail my many actual transgressions, in thought, word, and deed.

I have sinned, Father, against heaven and against you: Luke 15:18(NIV) All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23(NIV) for the God who holds in his hand my life and all my ways, I have not honored. Daniel 5:23(NIV)

Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; Psalm 51:4(NIV) I have not obeyed the LORD my God or kept the laws he gave me, Daniel 9:10(NIV) though they are holy, righteous, and good. Romans 7:12(NIV)

Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Psalm 19:12(NIV)

I stumble in many ways, James 3:2(NIV) and my sins are more than the hairs of my head. Psalm 40:12(NIV)

As a well pours out its water, so does my heart pour out wickedness; Jeremiah 6:7(NIV) and this has been my way from my youth up: I have not obeyed you. Jeremiah 22:21(NIV)

Out of the evil stored up in me, I have brought forth many evil things. Matthew 12:35(NIV)

I must confess and bewail the workings of pride in me.

I have every reason to be humbled for the pride of my heart; 2 Chronicles 32:26(NIV) for I have thought of myself more highly than I ought, and have not thought of myself with sober judgment, Romans 12:3(NIV) nor have I walked humbly with my God. Micah 6:8(NIV)

I have leaned on my own understanding, Proverbs 3:5(NIV) and trusted in myself, Proverbs 28:26(NIV) and have sacrificed to my own net. Habakkuk 1:16(NIV)

I have sought my own honor more than the honor of him who sent me, John 7:18(NIV) and have been proud of that for which I should have been filled with grief. 1 Corinthians 5:2(NIV)