SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE

Psalm 52:1-2

This Scripture meditation, as part of our Lent study, aligns our focus on connecting with God as we journey through Lent. Dive into this meditation below!

I Keep Messing Up

Did you make a mistake this week? Say something to someone or do something that you know you probably shouldn’t have? We sure did.

It’s easy to get caught up in all of the things you’ve done wrong– replaying certain situations or conversations and wishing you’d responded differently. You promise yourself that you’ll do better. Be better. 

The Bible is filled with incredible examples of those who have gone before us in the faith. And, guess what? With one BIG exception (cough cough, Jesus), these ‘role models’ are all pretty imperfect people. 

“Repent” is a scary word to hear. A lot of the time when you hear the word in context, it’s accompanied by a fear-driven message. But, we’ve been looking for ways to find the joy of repentance. Turning away from our mess-ups toward God and walking his path is a glorious thing! 

When we trust in him, God uses us in spite of our failures and our weaknesses. 

This Scripture meditation guides us through repentance, and hints at the joy of knowing we are walking with God!

Psalm 51:1-2

1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.

What This Teaches Us about God

  • His love never ceases (v. 1)
  • He is compassionate (v. 1)
  • He can completely forgive our sins (v. 2)
  • He can renew us (v. 2)

Prayers of Response

God, I know that because you love me, you were saddened when I _________.

Dear Father, I praise you for your love and your mercy. Thank you for extending your forgiveness to me by _________.

Prayer Requests

Lord, cleanse me from _________. Strengthen me with your power so that next time, I can be victorious through you.

Father, I know _________ (name) is struggling with _________. Please draw them to your incredible forgiveness and lift them up.

Prayers of Readiness

Lord, let your love strengthen me as I apologize to _________ (name) and seek to mend our relationship in this coming week/month.

Father, as I go through my week, keep me free from shame and guilt, because I know you have forgiven and cleansed me for _________.

 

Reflection:

  • What comes to mind when you hear the word “repent”?
  • Do you believe you are fully forgiven by God? 
  • What are you still working to forgive yourself for? 
  • What are you still working to forgive others for?

 

Want to continue with us on this journey through Lent? Visit this page for other Scripture meditations, simple prayers, and more—all designed to guide you through your Lent journey!

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™