In David’s life there was a time when the guilt of sin became so overwhelming that he yearned to have it removed. It was at this time that he wrote one of his most memorable and powerful psalms. It opens with a passionate plea. As I read it, I can sense the urgency and the pain in his voice. Listen carefully and perhaps you can to.
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. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight (Psalms 51:1-4a NIV)
Have you ever become so painfully aware of the sin in your own life that you have longed for this kind of mercy? Shouldn’t we have this kind of a longing to be washed and cleansed every Lord’s Day as we commune together in the partaking of the Lord’s Supper.
John tells us in 1 John 1:7-9, But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our communion is a time of self-examination for all of our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (KJV)
This time of communion is also a time that we painfully acknowledge that we have sinned against God. It is also at this time that we seek His mercy and loving kindness in the removal of our sins.
PRAYER:
Lord as I come to partake of the bread and the cup, I come in meekness of heart and humility of spirit, knowing that I cannot approach You in my own righteousness, but because of Your great goodness and gracious mercy, in sending Your only begotten Son, to die on the cross in my place and to pay the price for my sin.
Thank You that You are a tender-hearted God and that Your nature is always to show mercy to those who are justly deserving of Your wrath and punishment. As I partake of the bread and cup, I eat and drink in remembrance of Him, who died for me and rose again. Help me to live in newness of life and to walk worthy before You all the days of my life – this I ask in Jesus name,
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