From a Practice of Sinning to a Rhythm of Prayer

No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God, (1 John 3:9, ESV).

Sin is heavy. It is heavy on the heart and on the soul. When we are wronged by others, our heart feels the weight of their sin crushing our spirit. Our minds are burdened, and capturing our thoughts seems impossible. Our bodies feel the stress and grieve for our emotions to find balance once more.

Now, imagine someone being hurt by us and feeling that way. We are no longer on the receiving end of sin, but on the giving side of it. We cause the confusion and pain.

As children of God, we must extinguish the flames of the sin-filled arrows we aim at others. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him. When we surrender our lives to Christ, we are made new through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Because God’s Spirit abides in us, sin contradicts with the good of God. If we were to make a practice of sinning, we would battle the Spirit within us. However, being born of God convicts us of our sins, often before we act. Aligning our thoughts, words, and actions with those of God, gives us guidance through difficult situations and exemplifies Christ within us.

Instead of making a practice of sinning, we must set a rhythm of prayer in our lives. Intentionally lifting each other in prayer reminds us that Jesus paid the price for the sin of all people. It aligns our desires with God’s and is an opportunity to fight sin from a place of surrender: kneeling at the feet of Jesus.

Prayer: Jesus, we kneel at Your feet as we pray for those who have caused us pain. We also pray for forgiveness for hurting others. Help us to remember that Your Holy Spirit dwells in us. May we abide with You each day. As we confess our sins to You, cleanse us from all unrighteousness and restore to us the joy of our salvation! Strengthen us mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually to make a practice of doing Your Will and loving others as You love us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.