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.
—Psalm 51:1-19

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Salvation as Snow
By Jennifer Kane

I’ve been stained by sins I bear,
Against both man and God I fall.
What could cleanse this soul of mine?
My own will cannot repair—
Only You can hear my call.

Deliver me from shame, O Lord,
I am not guiltless in Your sight.
Forgiveness alone won’t do,
I seek repentance, Your accord,
To walk again in holy light.

Baptize my tongue with cleansing fire,
That it may sing of righteousness.
Let my words be pure and true,
As fresh as snow, my one desire,
Your grace to feel, my soul to bless.

Purge me with hyssop, make me whole,
By the blood You shed for me.
Wash me clean, whiter than snow,
In Your arms, restore my soul,
Your love, my eternal plea.

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Scriptures: Psalms 51:1-19

Psalm 51 is a heartfelt cry for mercy, forgiveness, and renewal. It was written by David after his sin with Bathsheba was exposed, and it provides a template for approaching God when we are conscious of our sins. This psalm not only emphasizes the seriousness of sin but also highlights God’s boundless mercy and His power to cleanse and restore us.

David’s prayer begins with an acknowledgment of God’s steadfast love and abundant mercy. He recognizes his sin and does not try to hide it but instead seeks God’s forgiveness. This teaches us that the first step in repentance is to come to God with a contrite heart, seeking His mercy.

David doesn’t stop at asking for forgiveness; he seeks a transformation of his heart and spirit. He desires to be made new, to have his joy restored, and to walk in obedience once again.

David commits to using his restored life to teach others and to praise God. He understands that God values a heart that is truly repentant over mere outward rituals.

David’s prayer concludes with intercession for the community, recognizing that personal sin has communal implications. He prays for the prosperity and strength of God’s people.

David’s assurance in God’s mercy and cleansing power is a promise we can hold onto today. Through Jesus’ atoning sacrifice, our sins are forgiven, and we are made clean. This psalm reminds us that no sin is too great for God’s mercy and that He is eager to restore us to Himself.

Thank God for His mercy and the cleansing power of Jesus’ sacrifice. Rejoice in the assurance of your forgiveness and your renewed standing before God.

So today take time to reflect on your need for God’s mercy and cleansing. Use Psalm 51 as a guide for your prayers. Confess your sins, seek restoration, commit to obedience, and intercede for others. Let this practice deepen your relationship with God and draw you closer to His heart.

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My Father God, thank you so much for saving me. I sometimes feel like a field of dung covered in a layer of snow but I know your righteousness covers even deeper than that. Thank you for saving me. Please keep me aware of the stature of my heart and allow me to remember your promise to restore me when I fall short. You are a safe harbor and please let the holy spirit continue to hone me and hold me. Let me be a beautiful example of repentance and keep me close. In your most precious name I thank you Jesus. I love you. Amen.

January 21 2025