Day 12 – Psalm 51:1-12

READ

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

REFLECT

In Genesis, God created the heavens and the Earth. All he made was good. In Genesis 3, sin entered the world. Fleshy hearts turned to stone. In Psalm 51, a guilt-ridden David asks God to do the miraculous: to create something new and renew something worn. First, he prays for a new heart made up of desires pleasing to God. Secondly, he asks for a steadfast spirit eager to know God and do good. Let this be our prayer too.

RESPOND

I fail every day to do what you would have me do, God. Instead, I do what you despise. I put my pride above purity again and again. Still, your word says blessed are the poor in spirit. God, create in me a new heart overflowing with love and humility. Renew my downcast spirit. Remind me of the joys of salvation and the privilege of a life spent with you. Amen.