Readings from the Old Testament / Hebrew Scriptures

Feelings of doubt and inner conflict were expressed by many of the psalm writers. They poured out their hearts to God, seeking forgiveness.

LORD, don’t be angry and rebuke me!
Don’t punish me in your anger!
I am worn out, O LORD; have pity on me!
Give me strength; I am completely exhausted and
my whole being is deeply troubled.
Psalm 6.1-3a

King David had plotted to have Uriah the Hittite killed in battle so he could marry Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba, who was already pregnant with David’s child. David tried to hide his sin, but Nathan, the prophet, made it clear that God knew what David had done. David approached God in prayer, seeking God’s forgiveness.

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

Remove my sin, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
…

Create a pure heart in me, O God,
and put a new and loyal spirit in me.
…

Give me again the joy that comes
from your salvation, and make me willing to
obey you.
Psalm 51.1,7,10,12

Call upon God who is merciful and loving.

Praise the LORD, my soul,
and do not forget how kind he is.
He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
…

The LORD is merciful and loving,
slow to become angry and full of
constant love.
…

As far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our sins
from us.
Psalm 103.2,3,8,12