Paul Zach, Jessica Fox and IAmSon sing, ‘Create in Me’, a setting of Psalm 51. We will pray with this Psalm today, so as you enter into prayer, let the gentleness of this music carry you.

Create in me a clean heart, O Lord

Create in me a clean heart, O Lord

Against you only I have sinned

Done evil in your sight

But you have shown me what I’ve done

With mercy in your eyes

Then wash my shame and guilt away

My weary soul renew

From all my sinning turn your face

Let me return to you

Create in me a clean heart, O Lord

Create in me a clean heart, O Lord

So I will give you what you ask

A humble, broken heart

A spirit burning down to ash

Within your flame, O God

And this will be your mercy, Lord

Transforming all of me

Til every act and every word

Your love and glory speaks

Create in me a clean heart, O Lord

Create in me a clean heart, O Lord

Have mercy on me

According to your endless love

Today’s reading is from Psalm 51.

Psalm 51:3-4

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 judgement.

Most of us are very aware of our faults and failings, or at least some of them. What do you find yourself thinking about when you first hear this passage?

The words of the psalm invite us to recognise that it is God against whom we sin, even before it affects our neighbours or those close to us. How do you react to that realization?

The psalmist concludes that God is justified in judging and even condemning us. What is it like to be on the receiving end of God’s judgement in this way? And how might God’s mercy play a part?

As this short passage is read again, listen to it in the context of your experience of God’s merciful love for you.

Psalm 51:3-4:

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 judgement.

Take a few moments to respond to the Father, or to Jesus, who temper their justice with mercy.

You have given all to me

To You, Lord, I return it.

Everything is Yours, do with it what you will.

Give me only Your love and Your grace,

That is enough for me.

Amen.