TERMINOLOGY
Repentance is an event in which an individual attains a divinely provided new understanding of their behavior and feels compelled to change that behavior and begin a new relationship with God (see Heb 6:1; Acts 20:21).
Hebrews 6:1 New International Version
Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God.
Acts 20:21 New International Version
Turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.
Repentance is also a heartfelt conviction of sin, contrition (a contrite state) over the offense to God, a turning away from the sinful way of life, and a turning towards a God-honoring way of life.
Consecration is defined as an act of dedicating yourself to the service and worship of God; to make holy or dedicate to a higher purpose; association with the sacred (see 1 Pet 1:15-16; Rom 12:1-2).
1 Peter 1:15-16 Amplified Bible Classic
But as the One Who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all your conduct and manner of living. For it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy.
Romans 12:1-2 Amplified Bible
Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational act of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].
Progressive Sanctification is: (1) the process by which a believer is made holy through the action of the Holy Spirit; (2) the ongoing, incomplete, lifelong maturing process by which a Christian gradually becomes more holy.
2 Corinthians 3:18 Amplified Bible
And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit.
DECLARATION PRAYER OF CONSECRATION
Lord Jesus, with Your help, strength, and power, I submit to You, and to the fast You have chosen. I surrender my heart, my mind, and my will in order to set aside time to seek Your will through Your chosen fast. I bind my heart to Your heart. I bind my mind to Your mind, and I bind my will to Your will.
Lord, as I submit to You, and to the fast You have chosen, I offer up and consecrate to You all my pain, hurt, anger, hatred, sin, fear, bitterness, resentment, sorrow and unforgiveness — all unrighteous acts done by me and done to me.
SEEK GOD’S FORGIVENESS
This is a time to examine our hearts for any unconfessed sin; repent, and ask the Lord for forgiveness.
1 John 1:9 King James Version
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Psalm 51:2, 7 King James Version
Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin…Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
A SUGGESTED PRAYER OF FORGIVENESS…
Lord Jesus, I enter Your gates with thanksgiving and enter Your courts with praise. As I come into Your presence, I repent for all of my sins, past and present, known and unknown, as well as sins of commission, and sins of omission.
Father, forgive me for every vain thought, and every negative word spoken. I ask You for forgiveness of every sin committed against You, and against others, and for those done to me.
I ask You to wash me, cleanse me, and purge me of all unrighteousness according to 1 John 1:9 and Psalm 51:2, 7. Cleanse me with the precious blood of Jesus, and make me whole.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew within me a right spirit (Psa 51:10). I choose to live my life in a way that is pleasing and acceptable in Your sight, so I ask to order my steps in the way of righteousness.
Father, keep me and preserve me in all of Your ways, and keep my heart and mind in check constantly that I may live a life that glorifies You. I pray this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
PRAYER TARGET
Use this week to get in the presence of God—humble yourself before Him by examining areas in your life where there is unrepentant sin and weakness—repent and ask God to forgive you; be open to the Spirit for correction and choose to walk in obedience by subjecting yourself to His will.