A PRAYER OF REPENTANCE—A Psalm of David
OUR PERSONAL REFLECTION: David recognizes that his transgression is against God. He is crying out to the Lord for forgiveness and restoration. This prayer is written for repentance in the time of his adultery with Bathsheba. David prays for mercy and loving kindness from God, admitting his sinful nature and fault. His prayer is to be cleansed from sin and to have deliverance from the guilt of the blood he shed. Throughout it all, David recognizes that it is only in God that he will receive forgiveness and his salvation. Therefore, David asks that God’s presence and Spirit remain with Him. David finds joy when his transgression is forgiven. He finds joy in serving the Lord, by teaching other sinners of the joy of salvation that awaits them Through God. David finds joy in the goodness that God will show to Jerusalem by His protection. God will find pleasure in the repentance of the broken heart and spirit. Restoration of the humble human heart will bring pleasure to the Lord, and their sacrifices will be acceptable to Him.
[BIBLE READING: PSALM 51] Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight— That You may be found just when You speak, and blameless when You judge. 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me. 6 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me hear joy and gladness, that the bones You have broken may rejoice. 9 Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 10Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You. 14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, The God of my salvation, and my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise. 16 For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise. 18 Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion; Build the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering; then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.
In v. 1-2 David acknowledges the mercy and loving kindness of God. David speaks of his own sinfulness, but he is confident that the Lord can cleanse him of his sins. He prays for God to create in him a clean heart and a right spirit by washing away his iniquity and sin.
In v. 3-4 David acknowledges that his sin is against the Lord, and it is fitting that the Lord judge him for his transgressions. Transgression is a sin that David knowing committed against God. And God is, therefore, just in His judgments.
In v. 5-6 David acknowledges his fallen state of original sin. David has confidence that the Lord will give him wisdom and truth because He desires to do this. God’s plan for man is that of redemption.
In v.7-9 David implores God to purge him of his sin, to blot out his transgressions and iniquity. He prays for forgiveness, to receive joy and happiness. He prays that God will no longer look upon his sin.
In v. 10-11 David prays for renewal. He calls for his cleansing. He asks for a clean heart and to remain in the presence of the Lord. David prays for continued abiding in the Holy Spirit.
In v. 12-13 David continues to pray for restoration and for the joy he will receive from the salvation of the Lord. Once restored, David states that he will teach other sinners and convert them over to follow the Lord. David will give praise and sing to the Lord.
In v. 14-17 David prays for deliverance from the guilt of the blood he has shed. With his salvation, David promises to praise the Lord, who is his salvation. David states here that God is pleased by the sacrifices of a broken spirit and a contrite heart. These will be restored. The sacrifice of the unrighteous, gives the Lord no pleasure.
In v. 18-19 David prays for God’s protection to be given to Jerusalem and the community at large. David asks that in His goodness, He will do good for Zion. David acknowledges that the sacrifices of the righteous are pleasing to the Lord. The Lord will take pleasure in the sacrifices laid on the altar by those with a humble and repented heart.
This daily Equip Devotional has been provided by Rev. Marie Parma as we take time this Holy season in anticipation of the celebration of Resurrection Sunday.
Let us pray…
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