Here is what an Anglican vicar from London Nicky Gumball says. [Recounted without permission]

Being a Christian is first and foremost about relationships rather than rules. It’s about a Person more than a philosophy; it’s about having a relationship with God who made us and loves us.   If we are honest, we would have to admit that we all do things we know are wrong. Sometimes we do things of which we are deeply ashamed. More than that, there is a self-centredness about our lives that spoils them. Our greatest need is therefore for forgiveness.

John writes that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  (John 3:16) By his death on the cross, Jesus made it possible for us to be forgiven and brought back into a relationship with God. It was out of love for us that he ”gave his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

Jesus paid the price to set us free. Free from guilt, free from addiction, free from fear and bringing us freedom to know God, freedom to love, freedom to change and freedom for eternal life.   So God offers us in Christ Jesus forgiveness, freedom and his Spirit to live in us. All this is a gift from God. We have a choice about whether to accept this gift or not. The New Testament makes it clear that we have to do something to accept the gift of forgiveness that God offers. This is an act of faith. It’s putting our trust in a Person, in Jesus.

If you would like to have a relationship with God, you can use the following words as a basis for your prayer:

"Jesus, I am sorry for the things I’ve done wrong in my life (take a few moments to ask his forgiveness for anything in particular that is on your conscience). Please forgive me. I now turn from everything I know is wrong.

Thank you that you died on the cross for me so that I could be forgiven and set free. Thank you that you offer me forgiveness and the gift of your Spirit. I now receive that gift. Please come into my life by your Holy Spirit to be with me forever.

Thank you Jesus. Amen"