Psalm 51 - Mark, Learn, Inwardly Digest

Through Lent I will attempt to memorize Psalm 51. It shouldn't be too hard since some of it is in our liturgy and will be familiar, but the old brain ain't what she used to be!

To help me I've made up some 3x5 note cards that I glued into a small notebook (I use one of these). I'll only commit 3 verses to memory a week.

If you'd like to memorize this chapter with me, feel free to download the cards for your own use. You can get those HERE.

"Have mercy on me, O God,
    according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
    blot out my transgressions. 

Wash away all my iniquity
    and cleanse me from my sin. 

For I know my transgressions,
    and my sin is always before me." Psalm 51:1-3

Verse by verse reflections from Good News Magazine Issue 40 "God's Healing Medicine for You"

Verse 1

"Notice how David comes to God with all his sins. David first acknowledges God's mercy. This is also how God desires that you know him, first as a God of mercy, in spite of you Sin. By reading and reciting this verse daily, the Holy Spirit sill give you increasing assurance of God's mercy, in spite of your many failings.

Verse 2

David is not asking for God's assistance to wash and repair himself. Rather, David asks God to take total control and for God to wash him thoroughly with the water of His cleansing and healing Word and Spirit. David makes this request with absolute confidence that he will receive this cleansing, healing and faith-strengthening gift from God.

Verse 3

David made no pretense of hiding or avoiding any sins. Let David's example be your daily guide. Don't hesitate to confess your Sin to God and do it with the assurance of total forgiveness, even of your most secret sins."