Asking Forgiveness

There's no formula or magic number for how often you need to ask forgiveness or what the ratio asking forgiveness to other prayer is supposed to be. If you mess up and swear or something - go ahead and ask forgiveness right then if you can. You can ask forgiveness a thousand times a day if you need to. Or ask forgiveness at the end of the day for the whole day. Or something in between. Or both. The important thing is that you do ask forgiveness at some point and don't put it off too long. If in the meantime you pray to God for something else, He'll still hear you. If the fact that you haven't asked forgiveness for something comes into your head while you're praying for something else, then take a moment and ask forgiveness right then - that could be the Holy Spirit letting you know that He wants your heart right with Him. And by all means get into the habit of examining your conscience at least once a day. But you don't have to go around worrying that you aren't getting everything exactly right. God isn't like a robot with a computer program where the variables have to be just right and the program in just the right order for the thing to work. You're allowed to be human and come to Him just the way you are.

I agree with fishstix. Do what your heart tells you. If you feel convicted about sin, then talk it over with God and ask forgiveness. It's only a few words, butsurely worth the effort to fell right with God.
The Bible says that God knows our frame and how we are, so there are pretty much many things that can go unsaid in a close relationship. There is no necessity for strict formality with God, for Jesus is our brother and friend.

It's amazing how gracious and loving God is, when He died on the cross He died for all man's sins. God knows the future and He knows what sins you've commited and the sins you will commit. He forgives your sins past, present, and future. Were human, we were born with a sin nature, so we will fall, but the trick is to get back up because you have an amazing purpose and God is not finished with you yet. Here are some verses I came across and hopefully it's encouraging to you.

James 1:2-4 - "Consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

John 16:33 - Jesus said, " In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Sometimes we need to really to work at an issue. Bad habits become ingrained into our nervous system. We than have a relearning process to go through,a nd that can take time.

Sometimes we have to put aside some extra time with God and do some real soul searching about an issue. But, essentially you will need to work at the issue until you arrive where you want to be.

John
NZ

I think it is better to repent right when you think about something and you are convicted about it. It is very important that you get right with God before you take communion though.