Dear heavenly Father,

We certainly know that, unlike Jesus, we are in dire need of repentance and forgiveness of our sins.  Help us to truly and deeply repent, and then help us to live lives that bear fruit worthy of repentance.  As James would later say, let us be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving ourselves.

Please also empower us with your Holy Spirit, so that we can faithfully be your witnesses in this present day.  And help us to fully and faithfully entrust ourselves to your Son Jesus Christ, the King and Savior you sent to deal with our problem of sin – who we know will reign forever.

To him and to you be all the glory both now and forever.

In Christ,

Amen.