What if you are praying with all your heart for something but you sin and repent do you start over?

Question

The thing I'm asking so passionate for, would it be ruined now after I have sinned and repented?
I know he is forgiving but would I have to pay for that sin by not getting an answer or a no to my prayers?

Answer 1

Of course. Christians even commit murder and think if they repent they can go to heaven.

Answer 2

Well the thing is, is this. Are you praying for something that's in the Lord's will for you? If not it doesn't matter how hard you pray.

1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

If it's according to His will then you just might have to wait for it to also be according to His time. Sin can definitely delay a "yes" answer.

1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

But God is merciful and compassionate so if you have truly repented then you should be OK given the time and will limitations.

Answer 3

How refreshing to know that we serve a God who is “ready to forgive”! Jehovah sees more than our sins and mistakes. (Psalm 130:3, 4) He knows what is in our hearts. If you feel that your heart is broken and crushed because of past wrongs, do not conclude that you are beyond the reach of Jehovah’s mercy. Despite what mistakes you may have made, if you have truly repented, taken steps to right the wrong, and earnestly prayed for Jehovah’s forgiveness on the basis of Jesus’ shed blood, you can have full confidence that the words of 1 John 1:9 apply to you: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous so as to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

In the Bible genuine repentance involves a sincere change in attitude, a heartfelt regret over any wrongs committed. Where there is no such repentance, Jehovah does not forgive.

Hebrews 10:26-31 For if we practice sin willfully after having received the accurate knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice for sins left, 27 but [there is] a certain fearful expectation of judgment and [there is] a fiery jealousy that is going to consume those in opposition. 28 Any man that has disregarded the law of Moses dies without compassion, upon the testimony of two or three. 29 Of how much more severe a punishment, do YOU think, will the man be counted worthy who has trampled upon the Son of God and who has esteemed as of ordinary value the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and who has outraged the spirit of undeserved kindness with contempt? 30 For we know him that said: “Vengeance is mine; I will recompense”; and again: “Jehovah will judge his people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of [the] living God.

David was imperfect and sinned grievously. (2 Samuel 12:7-9) But he poured out his heart to Jehovah and drew near to him in fervent prayer. (Psalm 51:1-12,) Jehovah heard his prayer and forgave him, although David bore unpleasant consequences for his sin. (2 Samuel 12:10-14) This should be for us both a comfort and a warning. It is comforting to know that Jehovah is willing to forgive our sins if we are truly repentant, but it is sobering to realize that sins often bring dire consequences. (Galatians 6:7-9)

Answer 4

You're obviously already paying for your sin if you feel guilty for what you've done. There's a song out there by (i think) Garh Brooks called "unanswered prayers"....it basically states (if ya haven't heard it), that even though he prayed for something so strongly in the past, his prayer was answered by not being answered the way he expected it to be in the past. Thus the title "unanswered prayers". So even though you are praying passionately for something and even though you have sinned and even though you have repented....if what you are praying for seems to NOT be answered, it has been and it is in your best interest.
God is forgiving and He loves you. He knows about your sins BEFORE you even commit them. You repented to Him, you are forgiven. He don't hold grudges and condemn you for years and years and years. We do that to ourselves. The hardest part of letting our sins go, is US as ppl finding the strength in ourself to forgive ourselves...God already has, His son bares our scars and they both still love each of us regardless.
Forgive yourself and move on. He's by your side and will ALWAYS answer your prayers.
God Bless
marjenl72

Answer 5

Listen, if God were going to punish you for sin, he would have to KILL you. :) That's the punishment for sin .. Good news is, he's already paid that price. Your sin is forgiven past, present and future.
That's what Grace is all about.

Now what's important is your heart. Sounds like you care about whatever you did . As Christians, we still mess up and sin sometimes, we just aren't professionals anymore :)

Yes, by all means repent and start over. God wants the best for you in all circumstances .. believe it, its true :)
Jason
http://www.myspace.com/seeingunseen

Answer 6

Perhaps. God could have made a condition upon request hinge on whether you stay away from something you knew he didnt want you to do.

But in general prayer doesnt operate that way. We sin everyday and by that logic our prayers would never get answered!

Answer 7

I think the answer lies in your heart. Does the thing you have been praying for benefit only you? Or would it honor God? Do you truly see your sin as a mistake and resolve to try harder? I think it is all about how genuine you are. Do you truly feel it in your heart, with no deception or selfishness involved? Search your heart, and continue to pray. I believe God blessed those who are obedient to him and his word. Read your bible for more answers concerning your sin and prayers.

Answer 8

I think you are presuming God has a bunch of rules on which he acts...
Ask for forgiveness, he loves you, he forgives you - what he will do is what is best for you according to his will and purposes - just trust that, and you can rest in it. If the answer is yes, then God thinks it best for you, if the answer is no - accept his wisdom - if the answer is wait... trust him.
He loves you more than your sin (which is why Jesus came, right?). Put him first. Keep praying, stay close to him, he loves you more than you can imagine.

Answer 9

If you are saved by the grace of God, then your sin is continually washed away.

Don't worry so much and put your faith in Him. He is a father after all and a pretty good one....and a good father would never hold onto sin already forgiven.

I hope your prayers are answered.

Answer 10

Ask forgiveness with a sorry full heart the Lord knows your heart and knows if you are truly sorry for doing it...He says to forgive 70 times 7 and He says if you do not forgive,,then He does not have to forgive..Quit beating your self up and know God loves you through your mistakes...