Pray Through the Psalms (Day 11) | July 6, 2023

I'm Sorry

Psalm 51 is a heartfelt psalm where David asks God for forgiveness and cleansing. He feels remorse for his mistakes and wants God to wash away his sins. David acknowledges that he’s messed up and that he needs God's mercy and grace. He asks God to create a clean heart within him and to renew his spirit. He’s desperate to be forgiven and to have a fresh start with God.

David recognizes that God is compassionate and loving, and he trusts that God can restore his joy and his relationship with him. It's a psalm that shows us how we can humbly come before God, admitting our faults and seeking God's forgiveness and restoration.

Guided prayer: “God, I’m sorry I sinned. I need your help to get back on the right track. Thank you for being compassionate and patient. I really want to get this right – show me how to course correct so I can live the life you desire for me. Amen.”

Psalm 51
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.

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,

and in sin did my mother conceive me.

Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,

and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

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.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways,

and sinners will return to you.

Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,

O God of my salvation,

and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.

O Lord, open my lips,

and my mouth will declare your praise.

For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;

you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;

a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Do good to Zion in your good pleasure;

build up the walls of Jerusalem;

then will you delight in right sacrifices,

in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;

then bulls will be offered on your altar.