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“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (NASB)

Yesterday, I was going about my business when a preacher on the radio nabbed my attention.   He told the story of the servant who was forgiven a huge debt, but then refused to forgive a man who owed him very little (Matthew 18:22-35).  “Uh-oh”, I thought, as I felt a familiar “twinge” in my conscience.  Then came the part of the story where the sinful man was handed over to the torturers until he repaid the last penny.  In my own heart, I realized the Holy Spirit was convicting me about what it means to have a clean heart—a heart with no unforgiveness lurking in the crevices, and no bitterness filling up cracks in its foundation.   It was time for me to ask God to create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me…

Oh Lord—if you could be but a shield about me!  The lifter of my head

Help me to forgive, though my heart is hardened

Lay down pure gold in the foundations of my temple

Carve out Your beauty in my heart of stone

Refine with fire the dust from which You created me

Let my heart’s one desire be that which You desire

Your humble will, in place of my wicked one

Your grace, in place of my judgment

Your passion for love, in place of my selfishness in life

In doing so, create in me a clean heart, O God,

And renew a right spirit within me!