A Prayer Starter after a Mess Up

Have mercy on me, O God.
         —Psalm 51:1

David confessed, “I have sinned against the Lord.” God’s prophet responded, “The Lord has taken away your sin” (2 Sm 12:13).

God fast tracks forgiveness of the penitent. The Lord honors your faith, notwithstanding your failings. Never forget that.

If you need a prayer-starter after a mess up, David left this one for you:

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. . . . Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity” (Ps 51:1–2, 9).

God will answer that prayer, for he delights in showing mercy (Mi 7:18).

You can’t do it over, so get over it.

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