As Catholics we often hear that our salvation comes through baptism. We also hear that it comes through our daily following the Lord. This is one-hundred percent true. Our salvation does indeed begin at baptism, and thus through the sacramental life. There is a way for us to pray to give our lives to Jesus and I think all Catholics would benefit from knowing it.
Protestants often pray what is referred to as the “sinner’s prayer” which is prayed in giving one’s life to Christ. As Catholics, we believe this decision for Christ is never accomplished through a one-time prayer. Rather, it is done by our daily offering of ourselves back to God each day. We believe that conversion happens at every moment of our lives. It is this metanoia that the Church wishes us to seek:
Christ’s call to conversion continues to resound in the lives of Christians. This second conversion is an uninterrupted task for the whole Church who, “clasping sinners to her bosom, and at once holy and always in need of purification, and follows constantly the path of penance and renewal.” This endeavor of conversion is not just a human work. It is the movement of a “contrite heart,” drawn and moved by grace to respond to the merciful love of God who loved us first. – CCC 1428.
Prayer to give one’s life to Christ
We do not believe that one simple prayer is an adequate way to devote one’s life to Jesus. However, we can pray to give our lives to him daily. We can pray to a special prayer to become more aware of Christ in our lives to surrender ourselves to him. Here is a prayer to Jesus in giving one’s heart and love to him:
Dear Lord Jesus
Thank you for giving me life. Thank you for all you have done for me. You give me so much each day through loving me. I am so grateful to you for your love. All that I have and all that I am is because of the love you have for me.
Lord, I repent of my sins. I will confess my sins to a priest in Confession to bring my sins to the altar for your forgiveness. In this way I offer my forgiveness to the whole church, as well.
Lord, every day I desire to live better for love of you. You are my all. I wish to serve you in all that I do.
You deserve all my love and my actions. I want to make the world a better place for your sake. I ask you to help me to accomplish your will each day. I wish to live virtue. Please help me to help those less fortunate to experience your love in the greatest of ways.
I give my life fully to you today. I do not desire that this prayer be a once done prayer. I want to pray this prayer each day of my life so that the desire is fresh in my mind. Lord, help me to accomplish this for love of you.
I ask this in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the holy spirit.
Amen.
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