2020 Daily Devotion - Day 206

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Many of you might remember the old Lutheran “Red Book”, officially called the Service Book and Hymnal (SBH). Many more might remember the “Green Book”, the Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW). In both of those worship books they had a rubric for what is to be sung after the Offering was received. In both cases, it was a piece of music based on Psalm 51. 

Psalm 51:10-12 RSV
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of thy salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

What a wonderful prayer of confession and renewal. Allow this to be your admission and hope on this new day. As we begin this day, we do so recognize we need a clean heart and a right spirit. When we fail to admit this, we fail to have peace. Lacking our ability to say this keeps us from experiencing the joy of His salvation in Christ Jesus. Begin your day with Psalm 51.

Pray with me:
Lord God, You have created a two-step process for being a whole and spiritually healthy person. The first step acknowledges our broken and sinful condition. The second is to cling to the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These two steps, when sincerely articulated, will bring us the peace and joy we need. Help us to do this each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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