I’m never going back: a prayer of determination

We all struggle to follow God consistently.

We all return to our nasty habits and warped way of thinking. Keep struggling–keep fighting for truth to become the loudest voice in your head.

Click on the 8 prayers embedded in this one to find more encouragement to help you follow God.

There is victory in Jesus! We have to stop making excuses about why we don’t follow God completely or why we revise what he tells us to do (so that it fits with our lifestyle). Joy and contentment are found only in a pure relationship with God.

Read the prayer below of confession and dedication.

Lord,

It’s me again.
I’m struggling.

You see me every time I go back to the things I’ve left behind,
when I give in to my sinful habits,
my selfish thinking,
my comfortable natural inclinations
my all-out rebellion.

I don’t want to keep going back to that life,
that endless pursuit of happiness
that never feels satisfied.
I want to be freed from the prison that I have built for myself.

Why do I think those things will fill me up
when you alone can fill me?
You created a God-sized hold inside of me.
No person can fill it.
No career can fill it.
No things can fill it.
No persona can fill it.

How can I know this and still believe it’s not true?
How do I turn my life around?

I don’t ever want to go back to that way of thinking or acting.
There’s nothing but destruction there.
Collateral damage on those who love me,
continuing pain and anguish for my descendants,
and absolute obliteration of my self-image.

When I pursue the praise and acceptance of this world,
I mar the image of God.
I forfeit the way you created me and the life you designed for me.
I give up my true self,
the self who was created to live in harmony and complete joy with you.

I’m never going back.
I will pursue you, even when it costs me.
I will obey you, even when it’s unpopular and frightening.
I will follow your Words alone;
I will not allow the world’s philosophies to corrupt or dilute your loving laws.
I will invite the Holy Spirit into my life every day to guide me in this pursuit.
I will listen for your voice.
I will surround myself with people who will correct and encourage me,
whose lives reflect you and bear the fruit of right living.
I will follow the wisdom of those older than me whom I respect and emulate.
I’m never going back.

Back is destruction and desolation.
Back is the enemy of my soul.
Back is loneliness and despair.

Help me, Lord.
Cut away the sin.
I’ve said this before,
and I’ve meant it every time.
Help me put in place accountability
as well as intentional pursuit of you.
Fellowship with the body of Christ,
service through the church,
personal quiet time with you,
continual prayer and worship,
and a total rejection of self.

I fall at your feet and worship you.
I confess my sin and self-worship.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.