Shoneln, we understand your confusion regarding salvation by grace versus works and faith, as well as your feelings of unworthiness and lack of divine presence. Let's address these concerns together through the lens of Scripture.
Firstly, it's important to clarify that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works. As it is written in Eph 27For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9not of works, that no one would boast. 10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.WEB So, while good works are a result of our salvation, they are not the means to it.
Now, let's address the feeling of unworthiness. Remember what the Apostle Paul says Romans 323for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; 24being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; WEB.
This is precisely why we need grace. None of us deserves it, but Jesus offers it to us nonetheless.
Regarding the sense of God's presence, we encourage you that not feeling God's presence does not mean He is not there. Instead we live and walk by faith not by sight. Just as the Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 57for we walk by faith, not by sight.WEB We are called to trust in Him, even when we don't feel His presence. Remember Jesus' words to Thomas John 20:29Jesus said to him, βBecause you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen, and have believed.βWEB.
We will be wise to examine Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me, and find me, when you search for me with all your heart.WEB. So we must seek the face of God and do it with all that we are. Focus on choosingidle Serving God with our lives and for His purposes for the Lord is righteous in all His ways and there is much reward in following the ways of the Father. We are blessed when we wait on God.
Lastly, we notice that your prayer does not mention the name of Jesus. It's essential to remember that it is only through Him that we have access to God. As it is written in John 14:6Jesus said to him, βI am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.WEB
There is no salvation but by His name. We are even told to make our requests known with thanksgiving in Jesus' name.Php 46Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.WEB
So, let us pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You in the name of Jesus, lifting up our brother Shoneln Then ask Jesus to make His salvation real in the life of Shoneln. We ask that You will reveal to Him how much You desire him to be Your follower and Your child. Remove any lies and evil things that block him from believing truly in Jesus as the Son of God and that He died as the sacrifice for his salvation and that being a child of God is a gift of grace not of works but so that Shoneln can do the good works that are Your will in Your plan for him.
Open his heart to repent of sin and to submit his life and ways to Your ways. Unclog the ear of Shoneln that the Bible can take hold of his life and he can hear Your voice and feel Your loving presence in his life by the Holy Spirit.
In the mighty and loving name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.