By Evan D. Burns
In the Burmese catechism she wrote, Ann H. Judson (1789-1826) included her version of “The Sinner’s Prayer.” It seems a bit different than the typical sinner’s prayer practiced today. A few simple observations can be made about it: it is rich with humility and God-centeredness, and it is Trinitarian.
O God our Father, I confess that I have committed many sins against you. Because of these things, O Father, I deserve to be disowned and sent to suffer in hell, but instead Jesus died for me. I want to depend on him. So please have mercy upon me and give me a pure mind and clean heart. Please forgive me for whatever sins I have done. Please return me to the right way to be your disciple and help me keep your Word. Please send down your Holy Spirit upon me, have mercy upon me, care for me and save me from hell after I die. Take me to the peaceful City of Heaven, O God our Father. Amen.
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Evan D. Burns (Ph.D. Candidate, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is on faculty at Asia Biblical Theological Seminary, and he lives in Southeast Asia with his wife and twin sons. They are missionaries with Training Leaders International.