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A Prayer for Refreshment through Repentance

     Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. Acts 3:19-21

Dear Lord Jesus, this encouraging Scripture is so clear: we continue in the Christian life the same way we began this journey with you—through repentant faith leading to times of refreshing, leading to more repentant faith and more times of refreshing.

This cycle of repentance and refreshment will only be finished when you return to restore everything broken and make all things new. And for that Day, we cry out collectively, “Hasten that Day, Lord Jesus, hasten that glad and glorious Day!” Until then, quicken and deepen our repentance, and multiply and intensify our times of refreshment.

By your life, cross and resurrection, you’ve clearly shown us that the way up is down—that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. You, who never sinned, humbled yourself and became sin for us on the cross, that we, who have never been righteousness, might be made righteous in you. What a glorious state of affairs—the quintessential expression of mercy and unparalleled manifestation of grace! How can this good news not move us to a greater humility, richer joy and soul-invigorating refreshment?

Indeed, Lord Jesus, we “get” the gospel the best when we are face down and palms up before you in repentant faith—not in groveling despair, nor in face-saving penance, but in the beauty of repentant faith. Forgive us when we make excuses, offer explanations, shift the blame, or try to dodge the convicting work of your Spirit. All such madness simply demonstrates the insanity of sin.

As we begin our day, grant us convictable, teachable, pliable hearts. May your kindness lead us to repentance and joy all day long. Refresh us that we might bring refreshment to others. So very Amen we pray, in your tender and tenacious name.

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