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,
What a day today is, remembering Valentine’s death in AD 270; he died for being a Christian. As a physician and priest in Rome, his concern was for others, and according to tradition, he wrote a note of encouragement for his jailer’s child the day he was executed. We are also encouraged that this day marks the start of Lent—the 40-day walk to the cross with Jesus.
David had asked You to create a clean heart in him, and knowing the promise of the Savior to come, he prayed this with confidence. Each of our sins should cause us to be cast away from you forever. So, as we begin this walk to the cross with our Savior, let us recognize our sinful desires and pride and surrender them all to Jesus so that You create a pure heart in us.
Let Your Holy Spirit work and sustain our faith so that we never let go of trusting our Savior, Jesus, and we will always trust in You. Your salvation is restored in us by trusting the forgiveness Jesus won on the cross for us.
We ask that you also sustain a willing spirit in us. Sin can divide and separate us from You, but hearing and being in Your word keeps our faith and gives us a willing spirit to trust You. We pray that as we hear Your Word, You will keep us according to the promises You have given us.
Let us also share the promise of forgiveness with those who do not know you so that You will create in them clean hearts that trust in Your love and mercy, knowing they have been restored to you with pure hearts. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Only God can create a new spirit in you; it is by His love that He has removed your sins and kept you restored to Him. As you celebrate your love for others, know the love God has for you. We will be reminded of it this season of Lent in Jesus’ resolute walk to Jerusalem for your sins.