Spiritual Practices: Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina, or Diving Reading, is a method of reading, reflecting on, and praying the Scripture that has been used by the church for centuries. It focuses on communing with God in Scripture rather than simply studying Scripture for intellectual understanding. Click here for more information on how to practice Lectio Divina. Here are some suggested verses in this passage that may lend themselves to conversation with God through the practice of Lectio Divina.
Suggested Verses
Have mercy on me,[a] O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!
(Psalm 51:1-2)
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
(Psalm 51:11-12)
Lectio Divina, or Diving Reading, is a method of reading, reflecting on, and praying the Scripture that has been used by the church for centuries. It focuses on communing with God in Scripture rather than simply studying Scripture for intellectual understanding. Click here for more information on how to practice Lectio Divina. Here are some suggested verses in this passage that may lend themselves to conversation with God through the practice of Lectio Divina.
Suggested Verses
Have mercy on me,[a] O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!
(Psalm 51:1-2)
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
(Psalm 51:11-12)
Spiritual Practices: Breath Prayer
Overview
Immediately after Nathan the prophet confronts David over his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah, David is heart broken at the realization of his sin and he confesses, repents, and asks God for forgiveness. This is the occasion for his writing of Psalm 51, one of the most heart felt pleas for forgiveness in the Bible. David doesn't stop with confessing his sin and pleading for forgiveness though, he also asks for complete restoration. He asks to be washed clean, for God to create a clean heart in him, and for God to restore to him the joy of God's salvation. He doesn't just throw himself on the mercy God, he boldly asks for God's complete restoration.
When we fail, when we sin, we don't need to wallow in guilt and condemnation. With God there is not just forgiveness, not just a removing of guilt or punishment, there is a complete restoration that is available to us. The path to that restoration leads through confession (admitting our guilt and our need to change) and repentance (moving in a completely new direction), but, by God's grace and mercy, it is available to us. That is what this breath prayer is about.
Prayer
Abba Father, forgive and restore me
Overview
Immediately after Nathan the prophet confronts David over his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah, David is heart broken at the realization of his sin and he confesses, repents, and asks God for forgiveness. This is the occasion for his writing of Psalm 51, one of the most heart felt pleas for forgiveness in the Bible. David doesn't stop with confessing his sin and pleading for forgiveness though, he also asks for complete restoration. He asks to be washed clean, for God to create a clean heart in him, and for God to restore to him the joy of God's salvation. He doesn't just throw himself on the mercy God, he boldly asks for God's complete restoration.
When we fail, when we sin, we don't need to wallow in guilt and condemnation. With God there is not just forgiveness, not just a removing of guilt or punishment, there is a complete restoration that is available to us. The path to that restoration leads through confession (admitting our guilt and our need to change) and repentance (moving in a completely new direction), but, by God's grace and mercy, it is available to us. That is what this breath prayer is about.
Prayer
Abba Father, forgive and restore me