O, how we all suffer under the weight of “missing the mark”; the weight of hurting others or ourselves by what we’ve done or not done.
Yet, our Maker knows of the healing, cleansing power of confession, of acknowledging the error of our ways. Rather than a rote recitation of our sins, confession invites us into the light. We are welcomed into greater honesty about ourselves and our experiences. When we can acknowledge what is true about our lives, we discover the depths of God’s acceptance, compassion and grace meeting us right where we are. Even in our messes, especially in our mess ups, we can come to know our essential belovedness. We are welcomed, forgiven, and loved just as we are, including the parts of us shrouded in shame.
With practice and repetition of allowing ourselves to be seen as we really are, we come to increasingly trust that nothing and no thing can separate us from the love of Christ. Along the way, we discover ourselves being taught wisdom in our secret heart.
As you come to listen and pray this day, see if it is possible to just allow yourself to be seen by God. Simply notice what rises to the surface. Maybe a regret bubbles up or an inner criticizing thought about a regret. See if you can just welcome it into the space with you and the Spirit right there with you. Maybe it shows up as some bodily discomfort, like you want to wiggle out of your chair or reach for your phone. See if it is possible to just acknowledge that, like you are saying, “I’m sensing something in me doesn’t want to stay here or be seen” and see if you can just linger there with that in God’s presence. Notice what comes as you stay at the edge of comfort or uncertainty. Maybe place a gentle hand wherever you are feeling discomfort. And just linger there just a bit… being seen just as you are. Notice what comes. Grace and Perfect Love are companioning you in this moment whether it’s felt or not felt. Notice what comes.
You are worthy of love and grace. You belong to God.
Psalm 51: 1-23 (RSV)
Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy steadfast love;
according to thy 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 thee, thee only, have I sinned,
and done that which is evil in thy sight,
so that thou art justified in thy sentence
and blameless in thy judgment.
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward being;
therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Fill me with joy and gladness;
let the bones which thou hast broken rejoice.
Hide thy face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and put a new and right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from thy presence,
and take not thy holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of thy salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
For Reflection and Prayer:
Was there a word, phrase or image which caught your attention you as you listened to or slowly read the text? Quietly savor this with Jesus.
Notice any felt sense that seems to emerge as you linger with this passage. It might come as a bodily feeling, emotion, metaphor, picture, gesture or sound. See if you can describe it and simply be with it with patient curiosity. Be open to whatever more might emerge.
Perhaps you might want to draw, color or journal your conversation.
As the time of prayer comes to a close, share some quiet moments with Jesus, simply resting safely in his presence.
Psalm 51: 1-23 (Psalms for Praying by Nan Merrill)
Have mercy upon me, O Gracious One,
According to your steadfast love;
According to your abundant kindness
Forgive me where my thoughts and deeds have hurt others.
Lead me in the paths of justice,
Guide my steps on paths of peace!
Teach me, that I may know my weaknesses,
The shortcomings that bind me,
The unloving ways that separate me,
That keep me from recognizing your Life in me;
For, I keep company with fear, and
Dwell in the house of ignorance.
Yet, I was brought forth in love,
And love is my birthright.
You have placed your truth in the inner being;
Therefore, teach me the wisdom of the heart.
Forgive all that binds me in fear,
That I might radiate love;
Cleanse me that your light might shine in me.
Fill me with gladness: help me to transform weakness into strength.
Look not on my past mistakes but on the aspirations of my heart.
Create in me a clean heart, O Gracious One,
And put a new and right spirit within me.
Enfold me in the arms of Love, and
Fill me with your Holy Spirit.
Restore in me the joy of your saving grace,
And encourage me with a new spirit.