Remembering the Gospel As We Pray

I put my faith in Christ back in 2012, but it wasn’t until the past few years that I really started understanding that the Gospel is not just for unbelievers. The truth is, we all need to know and be reminded that we are sinners in need of a Savior. Likewise, we must recognize that none of our works can make us right with God nor earn us entrance into heaven. We all need to hear and remember that the Bible says there is no forgiveness without the shedding of blood (Hebrews 9:22). So out of His great love for us, Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice to forgive and pay the wages of sin on our behalf so that all who put their faith in Christ as Lord and Savior will have eternal life (John 3:16)!

To put our faith in Jesus means we repent – confess our sins and turn from them (Mark 1:14-15). As a result, we are born again (John 3:3), new creations (Galatians 2:20), and have the Spirit of God dwelling in our hearts (Romans 8:9)!

If you are a believer…

Firstly, I want to ask you believers a few questions. When you hear the Gospel do you tend to zone out because you’ve heard it before? Does it lead you to spend time in God’s Word? When was the last time you praised God for His holiness, righteousness, and mercy? Are you in the habit of continually confessing your sins and turning from them to grow in spiritual maturity? How often do you thank God for forgiving your sins past, present, and future… for loving and saving you? Do you rest in the truth that Christ’s righteousness is counted to you as righteousness (James 2:23)? Does the Gospel message inspire you to be in a close relationship with Christ and live a life surrendered to His will?

If you are an unbeliever or unsure…

Secondly, I have some questions for those who are unbelievers or are simply unsure. What is keeping you from trusting that it’s by grace through faith alone you’re saved? (Ephesians 2:8-9) Do you crave freedom from the burden of trying to be enough? The bad news is, we can never measure up on our own. However, there is good news! The Bible says we can be counted righteous by God through repentant faith (Romans 4:5). The world and other religions say, “do,” the Gospel of Jesus Christ says, “done!” Will you surrender to Jesus and start seeking Him through His Word and prayer?

No matter what, the Gospel is for you.

Wherever you are in your life, the Gospel message is for you. The more we reflect on it, the better we understand who we are, who God is, and what He has done for us. As a result, we are led to praise, worship, confess, repent, read the Bible, and ultimately, fall deeper in love with the Savior. A deeper appreciation for the Gospel impacts our hearts and the way we interact with the world around us.

How will you reflect on the Gospel today? Has praise been lacking in your prayer life? Do you forget to thank Jesus for what He has done for you? Are there sins you need to confess and ask the Holy Spirit to help you overcome? Do you really trust you are forgiven by grace through faith alone ? Or instead, are you still attempting to get right with God by your own efforts? 

I encourage you to get into the habit of remembering the Gospel as you pray. Watch how the Lord will work in your heart as you praise, express gratitude, confess your sins, and bring your requests to Him in light of the good news!