Pope Shenouda III
So what would the sinner, who is burdened by his sins, do?
Pray and say, “ Restore me, and I will return” (Jer 31:18). So prayer is the gate of help through which the sinner enters to repentance. Mar Isaac said, “Whoever said that there is another gate for repentance except prayer is being deceived by the devils”... So then do not wait until you repent then pray!! Ask for repentance in your prayer, as the Lord said, “Without Me You can do nothing” (Jn 15:5).