A Simple Salvation Prayer for Young People

If you're thinking of becoming a Christian, maybe you've been told to say a simple salvation prayer to give your heart to Jesus. But why do we say such a prayer, and what are the best words to use when saying a prayer of salvation?

A Prayer With Many Names

Some people refer to the salvation prayer as a "Sinner's Prayer." It sounds like a harsh name, but when you consider that part of the prayer involves admitting that you are a sinner, then the name makes sense. A salvation prayer expresses your desire to turn away from a life of sin and receive Jesus Christ as Savior. Other names for a salvation prayer are the Consecration Prayer and a prayer of repentance.

Is the Salvation Prayer Biblical?

You will not find the salvation prayer anywhere in the Bible. There isn't an official prayer that will suddenly save you. The basis of the sinner's prayer is Romans 10:9-10, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved." (NLT)

What Goes Into the Salvation Prayer?

Romans 10:9-10 tells us that the salvation prayer should contain a few components. First, you should confess your sins and sinful nature to God. Second, you should admit that Jesus is Lord, and that his death on the cross and resurrection offer eternal life. What is the third component of your prayer? The prayer needs to come from your heart. In other words, make it a sincere prayer. Otherwise, it's just words coming out of your mouth.

What Happens After I Say the Salvation Prayer?

Some people think they will hear angels singing or bells ringing once they have received salvation. They expect to feel earthshaking emotions. Then they are disappointed when the excitement of accepting Jesus fades and life remains pretty much the same. This can be a letdown.

It's important to understand that the salvation pray is just the beginning. Salvation is a journey that will continue for the rest of your life. That is why it's called the Christian walk. It is an adventure with ups and down, joys and disappointments. The salvation prayer is the start.

One of the next steps is baptism, to reinforce your commitment by making it public. Bible studies and youth group meetings will help you grow and learn more about God. Prayer time and fellowship will draw you closer to God.

A Simple Salvation Prayer

Saying the actual words of the salvation prayer may feel awkward when you first make a decision to be a Christian. You're probably full of emotion and a little scared. If you don't know what to say, that's okay. Here is a sample prayer you can use to guide you through the prayer:

God, I know that, in my lifetime, I have not always lived for you, and I have sinned in ways I probably don't even know yet are sins. I know that you have plans for me, and I want to live in those plans. I pray to you for forgiveness for the ways in which I have sinned.

I am choosing now to accept you, Jesus, into my heart. I am eternally grateful for your sacrifice on the cross and how you died so I can have eternal life. I pray that I will be filled with the Holy Spirit and that I continue to live as you desire for me to live. I will strive to overcome temptations and no longer let sin control me. I put myself--my life and my future--in your hands. I pray that you work in my life and guide my steps so that I continue to live for you for the rest of this life.

In your name, I pray. Amen.

Edited by Mary Fairchild