October 1

Prayer Topic

That God will lead His people into true repentance for sin.

Prayer Focus

Prayer to recognize our need of repentance.

Scripture Reading

“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30).

Devotional

At the Messiah’s first advent, the world was unprepared to meet Him. John wrote, “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not” (John 1:9-10). Blinded by sin, the world and many of those within the nation of Israel were unprepared to recognize or welcome the Redeemer. John the Baptist and Jesus Christ both began their ministries with a call to repentance. “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,” cried John (Mark 1:3). When Jesus began preaching, His message was similar. “The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). Repentance is the first step in preparation for Jesus Christ’s second coming. It is a gift from God, Who “give[s] repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins” (Acts 5:31). Pray today that God will give you the gift of true repentance for sin. 

Prayer Promise

“Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him” (Steps to Christ, p. 93).