Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 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.
Although our sin may affect others, we sin primarily against God. Until we admit our iniquities and guilt, our sweet communion with our heavenly Father is broken. This brokenness not only affects our fellowship, but also affects our prayer life.
Isaiah 59:1-2
Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
Psalm 66: 16
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the LORD will not hear me.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
I am so thankful the Lord is just a prayer away. We know as believers when our fellowship is broken with Him, because prayer no longer is something we are interested in. It seems to be low on our list of things to do, and we put it off until an emergency arises. How would that set with our spouses or loved ones if we no longer talked to them, but only in cases of emergencies? How long would those relationships last?
Dear Heavenly Father, You are always there when we come to you with a broken heart, confessing our sins and asking for cleansing. You have given us forgiveness in Jesus Christ, and as far as the east is from the west so far have you removed our transgressions from us. Help us in our earthly walk to always stay close to you, because we are like sheep who go astray. Keep us ever in Thy will, and remember our frame. For I ask this in Jesus precious name and for His sake.
