Ancient Prayers for Today’s Cares: FORGIVENESS ©Dawn Minott

On By Dawn MinottIn Poetry
The full series accessible here!

Ancient Prayer: David



Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge…. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.


Psalm 51:1–4, 10 (NIV)

Beforeword:

This prayer of David is one of the most raw and honest moments in Scripture. When confronted, he didn’t hide, excuse, or downplay his sin—he brings it fully to God. His appeal isn’t based on his worthiness, but on God’s mercy, love, and compassion.

This prayer reminds us that forgiveness isn’t something we can earn; it’s a gift we receive when we come with a contrite heart. David also doesn’t stop at asking to be cleansed—he asks for transformation: a pure heart and a steadfast spirit. God’s forgiveness wipes away guilt, but His renewal changes us from the inside out.

It’s the kind of prayer that moves from the page into our own mouths.

Prayer For Today: Forgiveness

God—
Have mercy on me.
Not because I deserve it,
but because Your love never runs out.

Wash me.
Not just the surface,
but the places no one sees—
the thoughts I hide,
the motives I wrestle with,
the moments I wish I could erase.

Against You, Lord,
I have fallen short.
I admit it.
I can’t fix myself.

So create in me what I cannot create in myself—
a clean heart.
Renew in me what I cannot keep on my own—
a steadfast spirit.

Let forgiveness be more than a word I hear;
let it be the freedom I live in.

Amen.

2025 All Rights Reserved

Like what you see? To never miss a post click HERE👈 to subscribe & follow the blog. There’s more HERE👈 and on Spillwords, the Writers Club, Facebook & Bluesky.

In creative solidarity, Dee

12 thoughts on “Ancient Prayers for Today’s Cares: FORGIVENESS ©Dawn Minott”

  1. Pingback: Ancient Prayers for Today’s Cares — Reflect. Pray. Release. ©Dawn Minott – Poems & More

    1. Indeed Sadje! David is called a man after God’s own heart. He messed up a lot but he was always repentant. This prayer of forgiveness came after he committed adultery and orchestrated the murder of the woman’s husband, his top general, to cover it up.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

        1. Yes, very true. There are many similarities in both and some differences too—the Bible pointing to Jehovah God, the Quran to Allah. While the narratives and emphases can vary, both contain prayers, wisdom, and lessons that speak to people’s hearts. I find it fascinating to explore how these sacred texts reflect faith in different ways.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.