Is it wrong to ask for forgiveness?
Question:
Good day, I hope you are well,
My question here is twofold. First, I was taught that we shouldn't ask for forgiveness; instead, we should thank God for his forgiveness. This, though, feels both right and wrong. This confuses me a bit because nowhere in the Scripture does it say we need to say "thank you." Instead, I find it repeatedly saying that we need to repent, which in itself implies saying sorry and asking for forgiveness. Is this a fault in my thinking?
Secondly, I don't know how to pray. Know how, but what I mean is that I don't know what I can pray for. Now, technically, I can pray for anything, but that doesn't mean it's going to work. For example, I know I need to give thanks, and I know I need to pray for sins, but what I mean is, praying for a car, for example, I know is wrong but is praying for God's guidance counterintuitive given that God, as in the New Testament, does not guide us as He did the apostles through the Holy Ghost? Basically, I don't know what I can or can't pray for.
Kind regards.
Answer:
When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, one part of that example prayer was asking for forgiveness.
"And He said to them, "When you pray, say: 'Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation'" (Luke 6:2-4).
Daniel offered a prayer on behalf of all Israel, saying, "O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and take action! For Your own sake, O my God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people are called by Your name" (Daniel 9:19). Even earlier, while dedicating the temple Solomon prayed that it would be place where people could come to ask God for forgiveness (I Kings 8:30,34,39,50).
Therefore, God expects people to ask Him for forgiveness.
In regards to what we should pray for, see:
Response:
Thank you for your response. I truly do appreciate it.
God bless you.
