February 14

Introduction

Psalm 51: Today’s reading is a psalm asking for God’s forgiveness, and it is attributed to King David. After David had arranged to have Uriah killed in battle so that he could marry Bathsheba, who was pregnant with David’s child, the prophet Nathan confronted David with his sin (see 2 Samuel 11:1—12:15).

Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 51:1

Be merciful to me, O God, because of your constant love. Because of your great mercy wipe away my sins!

Reflect

How would you describe the tone of David’s prayer? What does he confess? What does he ask of God? How might this prayer serve as a model of confession for you? What do you need to confess to God today?

Pray

Be merciful to me, O God, because of your constant love, and wipe away all my sins. Create a pure heart in me and put a new and loyal spirit in me. Keep me forever in your presence so that I may know the joy that comes from you and your salvation. Teach me to obey you. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Psalm 57: A prayer for protection from enemies.