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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)