Song for Sunday

God Be Merciful to Me

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God, be merciful to me;

On Thy grace I rest my plea

Plenteous in compassion Thou,

Blot out my transgressions now;

Wash me, make me pure within;

Cleanse, O cleanse me from my sin.

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My transgressions I confess;

Grief and guilt my soul oppress.

I have sinned against Thy grace,

And provoked Thee to Thy face.

I confess Thy judgement just;

Speechless, I Thy mercy trust.

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I am evil, born in sin;

Thou desirest truth within.

Thou alone my Savior art,

Teach Thy wisdom to my heart;

Make me pure, Thy grace bestow,

Wash me whiter than the snow.

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Broken, humbled to the dust

By Thy wrath and judgment just,

Let my contrite heart rejoice,

And in gladness hear Thy voice;

From my sins O hide Thy face,

Blot them out in boundless grace.

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Gracious God, my heart renew,

Make my spirit right and true.

Cast me not away from Thee,

Let Thy Spirit dwell in me;

Thy salvation's joy impart,

Steadfast make my willing heart.

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Sinners then shall learn from me,

And return, O God, to Thee

Savior all my guilt remove,

And my tongue shall sing Thy love

Touch my silent lips, O Lord,

And my mouth shall praise accord

~

This modern hymn so beautifully displays the words we read in Psalm 51. Each of the verses seems to point out one of the many sins that finds its home in the human heart. Not only are such sins brought to light, but we see in these words that hope is not lost. Though man is born in sin, though we are each of us deserving of eternal punishment, there is hope for those who find their rest in Him. For those whom He has chosen, for those who confess the sins that so easily entangle, He is gracious and faithful to grant forgiveness and true repentance. Our pastor posed a question this morning during his sermon: what set Peter apart from Judas in regard to their sin against Christ (John 13; Luke 22:31-32)? Peter entrusted Himself to the One who saves, the One who judges rightly. Peter's denial of Christ was followed by confession, repentance, and he went on to proclaim the truth to the early Church. Which of these verses stands out to you the most? Is there one in particular that resonates with your heart? If you are convicted and in need of true confession, He is faithful to forgive and cleanse.