Embracing Self-made Religion in Ignorance

FATHER, “Let not those…who are amiable, moral, attractive, fall short of heaven at last;…” (ref#76, p113). Good is the enemy of the best. Sin can produce death through what is good (Rom 7:13).

I know ____, for like (him/her) I have, in times past, suppressed the truth as (he/she) is presently doing (Rom 1:18). I knew about You but choose to conduct my life the way I thought to be satisfying to You. And, in so doing worshipped and served me, the creature, rather than the Creator (Rom 1:25). And, in so doing did not honor You or give You thanks (Rom 1:21). It made sense to choose how to show my support, but yet my conscience caused suffering; I felt Your accountability for the wrongs I had done (ref#56, p1613 [Mankind’s Guilty Knowledge of God]).

I pray ____ not smother or quench (his/her) awareness of You. I pray You lead (him/her) to a broad place where (he/she) can see (his/her) ignorance—that is the ignorance of (his/her) own choosing of how to be a Christian.

FATHER, suppress (his/her) human wisdom and give (him/her) enough faith to long for, above all else, a relationship with You. Draw ____ right out of (himself/herself) and (his/her) thinking. Give (him/her) a peaceful conscience that (he/she) may know You have forgiven (him/her) and desire close fellowship with (him/her).

“Grant that the promising appearances of a tender conscience, soft heart, the alarms and delights of thy Word, be not finally blotted out, but bring forth judgment unto victory in all whom I love” (ref#76, p113).