Well, it’s gettin’ on Lent. That means good Christians everywhere are making plans to feel bad.
A friendly reminder for your upcoming 40 days: confession is about facing a life of forgiveness, not one of grieving the past.
Psalm 51 is the classic prayer of confession: Make me new. Restore my life. It’s really a deep trust in a simple principle of the universe: things change.
Lord knows David had some baggage, so when we utter Psalm 51 together we know we’re in good sinner/saint company. (Is my Lutheran showing?) I don’t know a soul who doesn’t desire renewal in their life in an honest, continual way.
This 3000 year old text has been spun into the liturgy for a loooong time. We pray together:
Create in me a brand new heart,
forgiven and renewed
Restore to me your spirit now
and the joy of your rescue
May you and your circle experience true renewal this Lent.
Listen to Richard’s community song “Wash Me Clean” for Psalm 51. It’s a little groovy, but don’t worry– if you feel bad about feeling good after, read the Psalm again.
WorldStretching 
January 24th, 2013 at 9:48 pm
Amen and Amen! Thank you for your wisdom and for the song. Psalm 51 has always been one of my favorites. Your song has brought it even deeper into my being. Thank you…
January 24th, 2013 at 11:05 pm
You’re welcome, Michael. Blessings on your work around authentic grief in worship.
January 25th, 2013 at 9:31 pm
Good approach, Richard! Thanks!