What do you need today?
I need forgiveness
Read this first
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What this passage says
David asks for mercy according to God's loving kindness, admits his transgression, and asks to be washed and cleansed. He asks for a clean heart and a right spirit, for God's presence not to be taken away, and states that God does not despise a broken and contrite heart.
What describes your situation best?
Only if it helps. Nothing you choose is saved or sent anywhere.
What would help you most right now?
Read these next
The same thing taught elsewhere
Loading 1 John 1:8-2:2…
God is said to be faithful and to forgive when sin is confessed.
Old and New Testament together
Loading Luke 15:11-24…
Jesus' account of a father who sees a returning son a long way off.
The same thing taught elsewhere
Loading Micah 7:18-20…
God is described as one who delights in mercy and treads sins underfoot.
What this means for you
David asks for cleansing rather than for excuse. Verse 17 is the part that answers a reader who feels too far gone: a broken and contrite heart is not despised.
One thing to do
Pray Psalm 51 as it stands, in your own voice, without softening what you name.
Pray this passage
God, be merciful to me according to your loving kindness. I know what I have done and I am not defending it. This psalm says you do not despise a broken and contrite heart. Wash me, create a clean heart in me, and do not cast me from your presence.
Or pray in your own words
- Name the sin without covering it, as verse 3 does.
- Ask for the clean heart of verse 10.
- Ask what restitution or apology obedience requires.
A 7 day Scripture path
Seven passages, one a day, read in your own translation. Kept in this browser only.
Where to go from here
- Read the whole chapter around Psalm 51
- Put one of these verses to memory
- Save a verse or write a note in your library
- Choose another subject
Audela offers Scripture, not counselling or medical care, and never claims a personal message from God for anyone. All subjects