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Prayers for those who are seeking freedom from their past � � � � � � � � � � � � �
Prayers for those who areseeking freedom from their past
On His Head
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Back in 1779, Charles Simeon’s interests were horses, games and fashion. But an upcoming communion service at his Cambridge college would lead to him considering God’s Word�
He discovered in the Old Testament that God’s people had placed their hands on sacrificial animals’ heads to transfer the guilt of their sin (see Leviticus 4:15; 16:21). The Holy Spirit showed him the connection between this action and Christ’s sacrifice. "May I transfer all my guilt to another?” he wondered. “Has God provided an offering for me, that I may lay my sins on his head?" That day he laid his sins “upon the sacred head of Jesus”. The writer of Hebrews wants us to make this connection too. The sacrificial system was “only a shadow” of the salvation Christ would bring (Hebrews 10:1)� In reality, “It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (v. 4). But Jesus was born in a body prepared to bear the weight of our sin and guilt (vv. 5–7). “And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (v. 10). Real freedom from sin, and from our past, is found in laying every shameful thought, word and deed on the bowed head of Jesus hanging upon the cross� He did what no animal or human can do: He “offered for all time one sacrifice for sins” (v. 12).
Chris Wale
A Prayer for Those Who Want to Change Heavenly Father, You know how many times I’ve failed in the past. I always seem to find excuses for going back to my old ways. But I desperately want to make changes. I want to stop destructive, sinful behaviours, and honour You in every area of my life. Help me to see my bad choices the way You see them. May I want what You want in every part of life. I surrender these areas to You now and ask You to help me remember that those bad habits and sins are crucified, and I have the life of Jesus living in me. He is never tempted by sin. May I walk in His victory. Amen
A Prayer to Trust Jesus’ Saving Work Almighty God, my Saviour; thank You that Your mercies are new every morning. Thank You that You do not keep a record of my wrongs. I choose to trust that You have forgiven all my sins because of Christ’s sacrifice. I trust that You see me through His righteousness. Help me to remember that I don’t need to try to add anything to what He has done; but to rest completely in His finished work for me. I receive Your forgiveness. I release myself from my own judgement and accept Your view of me; You are the only Judge, not me. Thank You Lord for saving me! Amen
A Prayer for Release from Deep Wounds Wonderful Counsellor, Prince of Peace; how I need Your peace and healing in my life. The deep wounds of my past seem to follow me through every door, reminding me of my worst days and nights, and making me wonder if I will ever have relief. I need to break free from the pain of the things in the past that I cannot change. Cut me loose from my bondage to the people who have wounded me; I choose to forgive them and release them into Your hands. I choose to receive Your forgiveness for the wounds I have caused to others. I release to You my burden of guilt and shame. Thank You, Jesus, for paying the full price to set me free. Amen
5 Verses for Those Who Need Reminding of God’s Forgiveness
1Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered� Psalm 32:1
2As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us� Psalm 103:12
3In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace� Ephesians 1:7
4It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast�
Ephesians 2:9
5If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness�
1 John 1:9
HEBREWS 10:10
