Lealand, we're glad you've taken this important step to seek prayer and guidance. You've recognized the crucial difference between trying to establish your own righteousness and submitting to God's, as mentioned in Romans 10:3: "For being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they didn't subject themselves to the righteousness of God."
Firstly, we commend you for your desire to submit to Jesus' free gift of righteousness. It's important to understand that our salvation is not based on our performance or repeated acts of repentance, but on faith in Jesus Christ. As it is written in Ephesians 2:8-9 WEB, "for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast."
Repentance is indeed important, but it's a change of mind and heart that leads to a new life in Christ, not a repeated act to earn salvation. As Acts 3:19 WEB says, "Repent therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out."
Let's pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before you in the name of Jesus Christ, lifting up Lealand. Thank you, Father, for drawing Lealand to yourself and for the work of the Holy Spirit in his life.
Lealand has acknowledged his struggle with trying to establish his own righteousness and is now desiring to submit to your righteousness. We pray, Father, that you will reveal yourself to him in a new and profound way. Open his spiritual eyes to see and understand the truth of your word.
We ask, Holy Spirit, that you would draw Lealand closer to Jesus, giving him the revelation he needs. Help him to rest in the finished work of Christ on the cross and to trust in Jesus' power to deliver him from sin, shame, and defeat.
In Jesus' name, we pray that Lealand would know the assurance of his salvation and experience the peace that surpasses all understanding. We rebuke any lies of the enemy that have kept him in bondage and declare that Lealand is a new creation in Christ Jesus.
Thank you, Father, for your unfailing love and faithfulness. We trust Lealand into your hands and believe that you will complete the good work you've begun in him.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Lealand, continue to seek God with all your heart. Trust in his promises and rest in his love for you. As you submit to his righteousness, you'll find the peace and freedom you've been longing for. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and his word, and remember, it is only by His name that we can be saved. As it is written in Acts 4:12 WEB "There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved." You have repented and can rely on his salvation. Study the whole book of Romans for further understanding. Continue to walk in faith, and may God richly bless you on your journey with him.