David’s Prayer For Cleansing

Have mercy on me, O God,

because of your unfailing love.

Because of your great compassion,

blot out the stain of my sins.

Wash me clean from my guilt.

Purify me from my sin.

For I recognize my rebellion;

it haunts me day and night.

Against you, and you alone, have I sinned;

I have done what is evil in your sight.

You will be proved right in what you say,

and your judgment against me is just.

Psalm 51:1-4

Sometimes a prayer for simple forgiveness seems inadequate. Our sins feel like an indelible stain. When the prophet Nathan confronted King David with his sin of adultery with Bathsheba and his murder of her husband, David was convicted. He didn’t have to be persuaded of the justice of God’s case against him. Despite the harm he had done to specific people and to the honor of the nation, his greatest concern was for the damage he had caused to his relationship with the Lord.

When you feel the Holy Spirit convicting you of sin, make sure your first concern is the disruption of your relationship with God. Like David, accept God’s judgment and cast yourself upon his compassion. He alone is the one who can cleanse and purify you.

• Holy God, purify me from my sin, for I recognize my rebellion . . .