WHAT IS THE PRAYER OF REPENTANCE?

by esther phinias | 4 March 2020 08:46 am03

Is it necessary to be led in the Prayer of Repentance when someone first believes in Jesus Christ?

Answer:

The Prayer of Repentance is a prayer in which a mature believer leads someone who is just coming to faith in Christ. In this prayer, the new believer confesses their faith in Jesus—acknowledging Him as Lord and Savior, believing that He died for their sins and rose again from the dead.

This practice is often based on Romans 10:9–10, which says:

That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

(Romans 10:9–10, NKJV)

Although this passage emphasizes personal faith and confession, it does not specifically require that the confession be made through a formal, guided prayer. In fact, the Bible does not mandate that someone must be led in a specific “prayer of repentance” to be saved. Salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9), and not dependent on a formulaic prayer. However, helping a new believer express that faith through guided prayer is often very helpful, especially in the early stages of their spiritual journey.

We must also consider Galatians 6:2:

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

(Galatians 6:2, NKJV)

This reminds us of our responsibility to support and nurture those who are new in the faith. A new believer is like a spiritual infant. Just as a newborn child needs guidance, comfort, and support to grow, so does someone who has just entered the family of God.

Jesus used this kind of language when speaking to Nicodemus:

Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

(John 3:3, NKJV)

This “new birth” marks the beginning of a spiritual life. And just as babies need someone to hold their hand as they learn to walk, new believers often need someone to walk beside them—to pray with them, guide them in Scripture, and help them grow in their understanding of who God is.

The Prayer of Repentance, then, is not a requirement—but a pastoral act of love. It reflects the heart of Christian discipleship. Jesus modeled this when He taught His disciples how to pray in Luke 11:1–4. He didn’t expect them to know everything; He gently instructed them.

Likewise, when someone receives Christ, we can lovingly guide them in prayer—not because it is the only way—but because it often helps their faith become active and personal. Many new believers do not yet know how to pray or feel unsure that God hears them. They may battle doubt, shame, or spiritual confusion.

But when a believer comes alongside them and says, “Let’s pray together,” it reminds them that they are not alone. This simple act can be the spark that begins a life of fellowship with God.

That said, there are certainly people who receive Christ and grow strong in faith without ever being led in a specific prayer. But for the majority, especially those coming from non-Christian or religious backgrounds, a helping hand in prayer is often essential.

Later, as these believers mature, they no longer need to be led—they become the ones who disciple and guide others. This is the pattern of multiplication Jesus spoke of in the Great Commission:

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations… teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…

(Matthew 28:19–20, NKJV)

Conclusion:

The Prayer of Repentance is not a biblical requirement for salvation, but it is a powerful expression of discipleship, love, and pastoral care. Leading someone in this prayer is not wrong—it is, in many cases, a way of “bearing one another’s burdens” and helping a new child of God take their first spiritual steps.

Jesus did not condemn the weak in faith. Instead, He welcomed them, taught them, and walked with them. As His followers, we are called to do the same.

Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.

(Romans 14:1, NKJV)

May the Lord bless us and give us wisdom and compassion as we help others grow in Him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2020/03/04/what-is-the-prayer-of-repentance/

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