Receiving God’s Mercy
Psalm 66:16-20
- 16 Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.
- 17 I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue.
- 18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
- 19 But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.
- 20 Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me
- Read entire chapter here: http://www.biblegateway.com
This Psalmist had been in trouble and he asked God for help. Following that, the Lord taught him how to confess his sins first and then led the Psalmist out of his trouble.
Many people, after their problems are gone, forget how the Lord helped them. This person did not forget. Instead, he shared his knowledge with others.
How To Cleanse His Soul
God taught the Psalmist how to cleanse his soul of sin and in his happiness, he wants to share his new found wisdom.
He puts out a call to every person who knows the Lord to come and listen to his words. He wants to tell the people the whole story of how he prayed for his sins to be taken away and then how God blessed him with answered prayers.
The most important point he makes is that sin must be cleansed from their souls for God to hear them. The cry for forgiveness must come from deep within them and not just off the tip of the tongue. If that were the case, God would not be listening nor answering prayers.
The Psalmist tells the people that when he cried out to God from deep within, asking for forgiveness, God did not hold back his mercy. But cleansed him and then the Lord answered the Psalmist’s prayers.
My Prayer For: Psalm 66:16-20
Heavenly Father
You are the King of all kings and so worthy of my worship. I pray that I will tell everyone about your greatness and how you saved and made me into a better person. All the glory goes to you Lord.
Even though I am a Christian, sin will still come upon me. Sometimes I am aware right away when I’ve done, said or thought something that is not pleasing to you Father. Other times I may be quite unaware of sin lingering in me.
If I Begin To Slip
I always want to be in line with you Lord, so I ask that you watch over me. If I start slipping in my walk with you, in any way, I ask that the Holy Spirit would convict me as they happen. And then reveal the sin to me, so I can confess them right away.
However Lord, there could be iniquities, buried so deep inside, that I may not even be aware they exist. Please Lord, bring these sins to the surface so I can confess them. I want to make sure that I am thoroughly cleansed because I know that I can’t be in your presence if I am carrying any type of sin.
When I come before you for forgiveness, I know my prayer must come from deep within my heart and soul. If I just rattle off a quick “please forgive me” then I will not be cleansed and you will not hear me.
In this age, I have an advantage over the Psalmist had in his time. And that is, because of the willing sacrifice Jesus made on the cross.
Jesus Is Now Our Advocate
Jesus is now an advocate for me. If I truly ask for your forgiveness and mercy, my sins will be covered by the blood of Jesus. That is to say that you will forgive me and draw me closer to you.
The Psalmist tells us that once he was cleansed, God you answered his prayers. I know Father that just because I’m clean and have prayed for something, it’s not a guarantee that you will answer my prayers in the way I want. However, I definitely have the confidence that you have heard me. Following that my prayers will be answered according to your will and timing.
Help me to relax in you, regardless of how (and even if) my prayers are answered. Help me to remember that you are always in control. Whether my prayers are fulfilled or not, help me to understand that it is according to your will, not mine. You see the entire picture, at all times and you know what’s best for me.
Sin Keeps Us Separated From God
Father, I do not want to be kept separate from you and that is what sin does. So, I pray right now and confess my sins to you, in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ…. (Confess)
Thank you for your mercy Lord. You have heard my prayers and I now consciously accept your forgiveness with thanks. I pray Lord, that everything that comes out of my mouth will exalt you.
Blessed be your name. I love you with my entire being and I thank you that you love me so much.
All the glory to You Father. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen
Search my heart and give me mercy PSALM 139:23-24 Stand Strong In Hard Times When We Are Burdened