How to open up to Christ?

Question

Many times when I've done something wrong, I feel almost embarrassed to ask for forgiveness. Like, I'm not worthy to ask God to forgive me, especially if it's something I've asked for forgiveness before and then backslid. How do I lose this repressive spirit that comes over me at times? Also, what should I do when I feel embarrassed to pray aloud or cry to Christ? I don't live alone and hate for people to ask me if I'm ok.

I'm asking Christians this question not to exclude atheists, Muslims, Wiccans, or anyone else but because this is about strengthening my spirit through Christ. So other standpoints don't really apply.

Please don't try to shove your beliefs down my throat. Thanks in advance, guys

Answer 1

Your question has touched me in a personal way as few do.
First of all there is no way that is "the right way", nor is there a wrong way, if you approach in a respectful manner. All I can do for you is to offfer some suggestions, some of which I have personally used.

There is no need for embarrassment in front of Jesus. If you feel this way, ask for general forgiveness, mentioning the sin that is greatest on your heart. As you progress you can add another example to the list.

It is not necessary to pray aloud , especially when confessing. Most of my prayers are silent, sometimes, when I am truly moved in a particular way, I will pray aloud.........

If you have been asked to lead a prayer and feel obligated, simply keep it simple and short.,...such as Lord, bless this gathering and our endeavor, and we ask you see us safely home....

This is my personal favorite, as I do not like to be seen crying either----cry your heart out in the shower..........if your shower is occupied, go to the garage. In the instance that you are caught crying and do not wish to explain, say something to the effect of : " I was just washing out my heart", women and children understand, and men are afraid to question it!

Forget the idea that you are unworthy, one good read of the New Testament will show that Jesus came to save us sinners and not to call the righteous to their own glory.

We all backslide, especially when we are new to the faith or faces with a particular weakness. You are not alone, nor are you less than the rest of us...........

You will be remembered in my evening prayers.........

Answer 2

To be completely honest you are not worthy of being forgiven. Neither am I or anyone else. God's grace is what allows to be forgiven. What is happening is Satan senses you are at a weak point at are an easy target. How do you over come this tell someone and let them encourage you preferably a mature Christian and do not be embarrassed to pray God already knows everything. I really hope that helps if not I apologize for wasting your time

Answer 3

I say my prayers at night as soon as I get into bed (silently ot myself of course). I bear my heart out to God, ask forgiveness and whatever else may be going on in my life..and it is all private. If I should happen to get emotional and cry, no one knows. I find that when I backslide, I pray more for guidance. Never be embarrassed to ask God for forgiveness...that is what he is there for and why he died on the cross.

Answer 4

the bible does say that ALL have sinned and fallen short - sometimes the personal realization of the fact that ME personally have done that too can be painful

thereafter it is a journey - and God knows we are creatures of habit and sometimes bad habits - that is part of the human condition which is why God sent his son down to pay the price for those sins that we never could do enough to pay for

1 john 1 tells us that if we confess our sins then God is just and able to forgive us - and there are times that we need to cling onto that as a promise in the face of guilt very purposefully

also i don't know if you regularly fellowship with other caring believers at all? that could help you maintain a more even keel in your spiritual walk - and find a same gender older christian you can have pray with you.

Answer 5

Whenever one prays it is often best to be alone somewhere when in prayer and as long as it's sincere than there is nothing to worry about remember it is/was said the only unforgivable sin is blasphemy against the holy spirit, so almost all things are forgivable if asked with hope, love, and honesty.

Answer 6

Well, you said it was a 'repressive spirit' so don't go along with it. Just start talking to God, he can hear you over a rock concert.

Try pouring your heart out while in the shower. That's what I do. You are in private, there's no one to see you, and unless you are loud they won't hear you. If you drive, there's your answer. Take a drive by yourself and leave the radio off. Nighttime is better than day, but keep your eyes on the road!

Answer 7

No one is perfect.... we all fall short of God's glory....

Forgiveness comes from your heart and your relationship with God.... If you feel embarrassed about asking God for forgiveness, then you're not ready for God's forgiveness... you have to go to him whole heartedly and knowning you won't do it again... you gotta try not to do it my sister.... but God will still forgive you, because he's a loving God....

are you ready to quit doing whatever you're asking God to forgive you for? Ask yourself that first, because if you're not ready why would you think God is?but I'm gonna go out on the limb and hope that God will forgive us how many ever times that we commit any sin....because we are such weak beings....me included....

Answer 8

I have been there like you too pea! *hugs*

One thing you must have in your mind is God is like our own father, they can be angry or mad but he can be also turned into a warm-hearted dad. God is great, beyond you or even me can think of, agree?

Asking for forgiveness is ok, don't feel ashamed cuz when you feel like that the old devil will laugh so loudly cuz he knows he wins. That old devil want us to be faraway from our God by giving us that "unworthy" feeling. Pray to God to make u to become more stronger and spend more time to read religious books.

You know what, when we are facing something that may lead us to sin that's God's will. He wanna know that you are obey to Him or not, He KNOWS everything right? So, be prepared for everything. He allow those problems, obstacles to come to teach us how to be good in the name of His. Experience is the best teacher rite?

So, don't feel that low, you may cry when you ask for forgiveness but let it be, cry n feel it, let it all flow n go cuz you know our God never let us alone!

Amen?

PS: Pray before and after you sleep. Ask for protection from his angels and guidance from Him. And spend specific time to read bible more, know Him well, it will change your entire life!

Answer 9

Wow, i know where youre coming from! the thing is GOD sees what we do all day everyday, so in retrospect, how can we be embarrassed to ask for forgiveness!?ive cried out loud to Christ many a day and its liberating, it feels like you just spoke to your best friend! The best way i think you can handle it is to pray to God that he binds the spirit of shame and that he helps you to be stronger! see the devil preys on our weaknesses and thats the devil making you fell ashamed, tell him i bind you satan in the name of Jesus and pray and do your thing!!!!

Answer 10

We must all keep short accounts with our Heavenly father.I feel that your moving closer to god our your feelings about doing wrong would not bother you so listen to the holy spirit about what its telling you turn from your sins as much as you can.But we all sin so when we do we must turn to our Savior Jesus for forgiveness god loves each and everyone of us and he is slow to anger so just keep on fearing the lord and he will forgive you as long as you have Jesus in your heart.