Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalms 51:11-12 NIV
Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, that day in the liturgical churches when we assume the ashes as a mark of our mortality and repentance. The forty days leading up to Easter is a spiritual journey in which we reflect, fast, and pray. We remember Christ's ultimate gift of salvation and renew our commitment as his followers. An essential part of that process is acknowledging our sins and asking for forgiveness.
Psalm 51 is a song of repentance written by King David. David has looked upon Bathsheba and lusted. Lust led to fornication and fornication to the murder of her husband, Uriah. Weighed heavily by his actions, David confesses and seeks God's pardon.
We all have sinned–and despite not wanting to continue to sin. We try our best not to err and fight the temptation, but sometimes it still happens. The Apostle Paul sums it up well, "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." (Rm 7:15).
But this doesn't mean we are helpless. By God's grace, we are granted forgiveness. The blood of Jesus Christ has prepaid our sins; however, we still must acknowledge our sins and be earnest in our desire to sin no more. When we pray, we also ask for the strength to resist temptation.
Father of grace and mercy, thank you for your Son who died for our sins. We are sorrowful for our sin and desire to sin no more. Father, grant us forgiveness. Fill us with the Holy Spirit that we may reject sin. By Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim

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