{"id":12999,"date":"2022-05-22T23:05:26","date_gmt":"2022-05-22T21:05:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/?p=12999"},"modified":"2022-05-22T23:06:19","modified_gmt":"2022-05-22T21:06:19","slug":"3-prayers-for-a-clean-heart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.irenebom.com\/prayer_matters\/2022\/05\/22\/3-prayers-for-a-clean-heart\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Prayers for a clean heart"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Psalm 51 is a classic prayer of confession. <\/p>\n

Here are 3 prayers inspired by Psalm 51:10<\/a>: “create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me”. I’ve also included a link to Keith Green’s song, Create in me a clean heart<\/em>, also a classic in my view.<\/p>\n\n

#1<\/h3>\n

Merciful God,
\nhave mercy on our souls,
\naccording to your unwavering love;
\naccording to your abundant mercy
\nwipe away our sins and the guilt we have carried for so long.<\/p>\n

Instead write on our hearts your love,
\nyour boundaries for our lives,
\nyour salvation that sets us free from our sins
\nto live the abundant life you have for each of us.<\/p>\n

Lord we would see Jesus;
\nwe would love Jesus;
\nwe would follow Jesus;
\nwe would serve Jesus.<\/p>\n

Lord,
\ncreate in us clean hearts;
\nrenew your spirit within us.
\nDo not turn us away from your presence,
\ndo not take your Holy Spirit from us.
\nRestore to us the joy of your salvation,
\nand sustain in us a willing spirit.
\nWrite on our hearts, your love O God,
\nAmen.<\/p>\n

~ written by Rev. Abi<\/strong>, posted on re:worship <\/a>
\n <\/p>\n\n

#2<\/h3>\n

God of our Hearts,
\nnot of our outer garments,
\nnor our church structures,
\nnor our programs and human plans,
\nyou are the only one who can make us pure.
\nYou are the only one who can wash us clean of all our sin and guilt.
\nYou alone can save us from the terrible Day of the Lord.
\nYou are the merciful and just God.
\nIf we turn, we see you.
\nHelp us to turn, O God of all hearts,
\nand find you here with us:
\nEmmanuel \u2013 the Christ-heart within us all.
\nWe light our fires for you, to reflect your shining. <\/p>\n

~ from Heart of the Matter: Service for Ash Wednesday<\/em>, written by Rev. Marilyn K. Levine<\/strong>. Posted on the United Church of Christ website<\/a>
\n <\/p>\n\n

#3 \/ a blessing<\/h3>\n

May God create in you a clean heart,
\na transformed heart,
\na heart that knows and seeks and loves
\nthe justice and mercy of the Lord.
\nMay you accept the gift of salvation \u2013
\nnot your personal possession to be coveted,
\nbut His work, accomplished in the destruction of sin
\non the cross of Jesus Christ.
\nAnd may you humble yourself before the Lord,
\ncoming before Him with a broken spirit,
\na contrite heart,
\nreceiving from His hand
\ngreat compassion
\nand unfailing love. <\/p>\n

~ posted on Jeff\u2019s Blog<\/a>
\n <\/p>\n\n