Psalm 51:10-12
Create in me a pure heart, O God. Renew an unwavering spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence. Do not take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation. Sustain me with a willing spirit.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We cannot have a pure heart without you, just as David knew regarding his sins. Our sinful nature does not give us an excuse or a free pass; our sinful nature makes us do it. We are responsible for everything we do, so when we sin, we are accountable to you for everything we do. You have given your direction to us people, “the soul who sins that one will die.” “So then be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.” And we regularly fall short of your perfection. So we ask as David asked to create in us pure hearts and renew an unwavering spirit within us.
Because you sent your Son to restore salvation to us fallen people, we boldly ask for your help. Jesus suffered and died in our place, taking all our punishment into himself, and you accepted his punishment in our place; we know this because his grave was empty; only his grave clothes stayed in that tomb. So we ask that you send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen our faith so that we confidently know and trust Jesus’ forgiveness he won for us.
Let our faith in Jesus restore us to you so that we have joy knowing we are completely forgiven for all our sins. Then, sustain us so our spirits are linked with Christ, and our reaction to our faith is loving you and others in return. Let us also share your love for us with those who do not trust in you or Jesus; that faith will begin in them, and they will also have eternal life. Give us willing spirits to love and share the good news you have already delivered to us. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Only God creates a pure heart, which comes by faith in His Son, our Savior, Jesus. Whether you believe it or not, it is no less accurate: Jesus suffered on the cross to make salvation and eternal life available for all people. Faith alone in Jesus and his work eternally reunites you with God.