Psalm 51:11-18 (click to view Scripture below)
This prayer of repentance by King David records the deep realization of what is a stake when we allow God to transform our lives. David was desperate not to be banned from the presence of God and begged for a restoration of the desire to serve God fully. As you read this prayer you can feel David’s passionate desire to avoid the tragedy that has wreaked havoc on his life.
ChildHope classrooms and school chapel services are filled with moments where the message of what it means to live a life without God is regularly presented. I remember being in one such chapel as children were on their knees praying. Their heartfelt conversations with God were interpreted for an American guest, who happened to be a renowned scholar visiting our ChildHope schools. As he listened to the children’s prayers and heard a translation, the tears streamed down his face and he commented: these are certainly the kinds of prayers that God hears!
Vice President, ChildHope
Prayer: Lord, with King David I pray, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me!
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Psalm 51:11-18 (ESV)
11 Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you.
14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,
O God of my salvation,
and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.
15 O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
18 Do good to Zion in your good pleasure;
build up the walls of Jerusalem;
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Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®),
copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.