VII.
As you return to Psalm 51 today take notice of what the Psalmist requests from God.
VIII.
Psalm 51:1–4, 10–12, 15–17 (NRSVue)
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 alone, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are justified in your sentence
and blameless when you pass judgment.Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and put a new and right spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence,
and do not take your holy spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and sustain in me a willing spirit.O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
For you have no delight in sacrifice;
if I were to give a burnt offering, you would not be pleased.
The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
IX.
What do you find the Psalmist requests from God?
Mercy – cleansing – nearness – joy
What else do you notice?
Has there been a time you made a similar request?
Take some time to read and meditate on the Psalm once again and as you do, keep your eyes open for what the Psalmist tells us about God.
What is the character of the God to which the Psalmist prays?
charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}