04/19/2021
When we pray in contrition, and confess our sins, do we ask God to not only forgive us, but to change our hearts as well? In the midst of our sorrowful and broken hearts, do we ask Him for help in cleansing us of the desire to continue on in sin? Are we looking for more than God’s pity and mercy as He forgives, and ask Him for His transformation as well? After He had forgiven someone Jesus said “Go and sin no more”, but don’t we need help in doing this? Yes, so Pray for God to make our spirits right!
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
Psalm 51:10 ESV
David poured out his heart in this psalm, not because we he was physically suffering in some manner, but because of a sin that was deep, which was tormenting his spirit, convicting him, and destroying his good relationship with God. David was no longer able to offer a traditional sacrifice to God because his soul felt too great a distance from Him, and his sin was too egregious; he felt that he was beyond the ability of burnt offerings to cleanse him... so what did he offer? He offered his own broken heart.
“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.”
Psalm 51:16-17 ESV
We too need to pray for a clean heart as we ask for forgiveness, and sometimes our need, like David’s, is so great that it requires that our contrition offer more than just remorse to obtain it... there are times when we will need to fall to our knees and offer our tears, and a completely broken heart, so that with a change of that heart, and by fully surrendering ourselves, we will serve Him all the more, and offer a perfect example of God’s willingness to forgive us to all those who are lost... even those who think that their sin, and God’s forgiveness are beyond them.
“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.”
Psalm 51:11-13 ESV
Shame makes us want to hide our sins from those around us, but God knows our heart and sees every sin that we commit. Some are so large, and so terrible, that they can’t possibly be hidden from the world, and in this psalm we see such sin. David had sinned by going into another man’s wife, Bathsheba, and then arranged for her husband to be killed. Now he is broken, seen by others as beyond forgiveness, but God hears his prayers and feels the completeness of his broken heart, then forgives him. This becomes the way that David will show other sinners that they too might face a terrible judgement, but are not beyond being forgiven. We too can be examples to others who sin, and show God’s mercy, grace, and glory as they see us forgiven. Our contrition, confessions, and even our broken hearts, can help save souls.
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:7-9 ESV
So, in our prayers we should ask for more than just forgiveness, but for our lives to be changed in such a way that we will be renewed spiritually, and shielded from the temptation to commit future sin. We should pray that God uses us as examples of His mercy, and grace, and ask all of this in the name of Jesus... to be done for the glory of God.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus who’s blood cleanses us of sin, and thank you for transforming us in the midst of your forgiveness into new creations who are strengthened against temptation. Use us Lord as examples of your mercy, grace, and forgiveness to encourage those who feel lost to seek you in tears and with a broken heart, as they plead for your mercy, and grace. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who sees our hearts, and knows the truth of our contrition as we ask your forgiveness. Help us Father to be strengthened in our ability to achieve righteousness as we are changed into new persons who are able to resist sin. Praised be your name for your love, and your desire to find us worthy of a relationship with you. Wash us clean of all transgressions Father, and use us as witnesses and examples to all those who are lost or wavering in their faith. Save our neighbors, Lord, even as you save us... by your amazing grace that secures us in you forevermore.
Rich Forbes