1. Repentance is not a requirement exclusively for the unbeliever but also for believers. As the Holy Spirit convicts and reveals to us of areas of our lives that need to change, we will need to repent. In the verse of scripture below, John was writing to the Christians of his day, emphasising on the need for repentance. 

1 John 1:8,9 ‘If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.’

2. God demands repentance, it is not optional:

Acts 3:19 (NIV) ‘Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, ‘

3. There is a certain amount of sorrow involved in repentance that we don’t see much of today. We live in a time where people sometimes see showing of emotion as a sign of weakness. This “godly sorrow” means moaning and even groaning. Understand that this is not about having a great emotional experience, but I do believe that we need godly sorrow, which brings true repentance. Such sorrow that would make us cry out “Oh, God, I have sinned against You, and I’m sorry.”

2 Corinthians 7:10-11 ‘Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. ‘

4. True repentance begins with the acknowledgement of our sins. We must acknowledge our sins, the sins of people, our nation etc. David is a perfect example:

2 Samuel 12:13 (NIV) ‘Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.’

5. True repentance requires humbling ourselves before the Lord. We cannot approach the throne of grace with any iota of pride in ourselves.

2 Chronicles 7:14 ‘if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.’

6. We can and should also confess the sins of our nation. In so doing, we stand in the gap on behalf of our nations and people.

Nehemiah 1:6 (ESV) let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servant, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned.

7. The reward for genuine repentance is immense:

Isaiah 61:3 ‘To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.’

PRAYER POINTS

1. Come before the Lord with worship and thanksgiving for our redemption and forgiveness of sin through the blood of Jesus, (Ephesians 1:7)
2. Spend time in God’s presence and allow the Holy Spirit to show you areas that he wants to change in your life, character, speech, action, and thoughts. 
3. If is very important that you spend an intimate and private time with the Lord, acknowledge your wrongs and sins before Him like David did, mentioning each of them before the Lord in prayer. (2 Sam 12:12) 
4. Ask the Lord for forgiveness and cleansing by the precious blood of Jesus.
5. If there are habitual sins that have become strongholds in your life, pray addressing the specific habits or sins by name and declare their hold and control over your life broken in Jesus name.
6. I appropriate the blood of Jesus to cleanse me from every consequence and effect of my involvement in (mention the specific sins/habits that have become a stronghold in your live)
7. Declare that the power and stronghold of every sin, (mention them by name) is broken over your life, and that the righteousness and holiness of God reigns in you, in Jesus name.
8. Ask that the Holy Spirit will grant you the strength you need to live above every sin and strengthen you never to go back to the same weakness.
9. Rejoice in Praise for your victory and declare your acceptance, forgiveness and cleansing by the blood of Jesus. (I am and forgiven, I am cleansed, I am accepted of the father…)