This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, first, Jesus Christ might show all patience, as an example to those who were to believe in Him for eternal life.

1 Timothy 1:15-16, Modern English Version

God's grace has the supernatural ability to transform our understanding of who we are and where our true potential lies. When Jesus stepped into the world of Paul, he experienced such a radical change of mind that he became a whole new person. Paul was lost before knowing Christ but upon knowing Him, he discovered God's perfect will and purpose for his life.

Being lost is about not knowing or forgetting who we are and whose we are.

This spiritual condition keeps us from living as sons or daughters of God our Father because our lostness turns us into slaves to sin. Sin stops us from reaching out to God in faith but sin doesn't stop God from reaching out to us in love.

It is through the love of God that we experience a radical change of believing for a new way of living. Indeed a radical change of mind frees us from bondages that rob us of our true identity and life in Christ.

The reality of God's perfect love towards you keeps your prayers simple and straightforward as you are speaking to the Father as a child. Then prayers become effective and meaningful. This is because you are not trying to get God to do something but instead you are receiving every blessing and benefit God has made freely available to you in Christ.

When you truly know who you are and whose you are in Christ, sin has no power over you anymore. You are empowered to live a righteous life because Jesus has perfected you forever through His one perfect sacrifice. (Hebrews 10:14) Having a right standing with God frees you from striving for God's approval and acceptance. Rather it allows you to truly rest in Him who calls you His beloved. Then following and obeying will flow naturally without urging it to happen because God's love secures us to do right by Him.