Psalm Meditation 1167 ¶Proper 26 ¶October 30, 2022 ¶Psalm 51 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+51&version=NRSVUE (NRSV) ¶Many of us have that list of actions and inactions that have done damage to those around us. They gnaw at us for years at a time. If we are lucky we can find a way to resolve the situation and atone for our sin. We join the psalmist in asking God to forgive us and cleanse us from the feelings of guilt and shame. The plea for forgiveness becomes a regular part of our prayer life. ‘If only God could forgive me, I would be better able to seek the forgiveness of others, as well as forgive those who I feel have wronged me.’ ¶Yes, God wants us to look at ourselves honestly to see where we are in need of forgiveness and redemption. God also wants us to let go of things that haunt us as if they were dreadful sins. I discover that in a lot of cases God has already offered me forgiveness and, because I feel unworthy, I have been unable to open myself to it. Confession is good for the soul as long as we can let go of our guilt in order to make room for forgiveness. And forgiveness does not remove the consequences of our actions, only the crippling guilt. ¶God has created a clean heart for each of us and is ready to put that new and right spirit within us, if we will make room for it by letting go of the broken hearts to which we cling so desperately. God wants an open and wholesome relationship with each one of us. We don’t need to clutter it up with bargains and promises, simply be in the presence of God. ¶October 24, 2022 ¶LCM