Final Lenten Thoughts

I have crucified the Lord Jesus with my sin. But that is not all. I have abandoned him with his disciples, when I chose to follow my own path rather than his. I have betrayed him with Judas when I sinned, knowing full well his grace and the wrongness of my actions before I committed them. I have beaten him with the soldiers when I blasphemed and used his name as a curse. I have denied him with Peter when I tried to befriend the world rather than suffering ridicule with him. I have accused him with the Jews when I brought discredit to his name by my actions. I have reviled him with the thieves when I traded his blessings for the pleasures of the flesh. And I have persecuted him with Paul when I maligned and acted evilly toward the least of these, his brethren; those others here who love him. Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldst come under my roof, but speak the word only and my soul shall be healed.

Psalm 51

King James Version (KJV)

51 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

² Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
³ For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
⁴ Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
⁵ Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
⁶ Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
⁷ Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
⁸ Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
⁹ Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
¹⁰ Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
¹¹ Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
¹² Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
¹³ Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
¹⁴ Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
¹⁵ O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
¹⁶ For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
¹⁷ The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.