Opening Prayer: Have mercy on me, O God, according
to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my
transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from
my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!
For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done
what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and
blameless in your judgment. (Psalm 51:1-4)
Scripture: Psalm 51:1-19
Journal: What words or images can you relate to or identify
with most from this Psalm? What speaks
to your heart? What speaks for your
heart?
Reflection:
Fallen man is not simply an imperfect creature who
needs improvement; he is a rebel who must lay down his arms. Laying down your arms, surrendering, saying
you are sorry, realising that you have been on the wrong track and getting
ready to start life over again from the ground floor—that is the only way out
of our 'hole'. This process of
surrender—this movement full speed astern—is what Christians call repentance. Now repentance is no fun at all. It is something much harder than merely eating
humble pie. It means unlearning all the
self-conceit and self-will that we have been training ourselves into for thousands
of years. (Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis)
Prayers
Closing Prayer: Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash
me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let
me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all
my iniquities. Create in me a clean
heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take
not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to
me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. (Psalm
51:7-12)
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