David was called a “man after God’s own heart” and the anointed king of Israel, but like all of us, he was prone to pride. In the height of that pride, he used the position God gave him to take advantage of a woman, the wife of his loyal soldier, then murdered that soldier to cover it up. He used what God gave him to transgress against God.

Psalm 51 is a prayer by David to God after his transgression. In the opening of the prayer, David does not make excuses for what he’s done, he humbles himself before God. The book of Psalms is given to us as a guide to prayer and Psalm 51 is no exception. When we have transgressed against God, we are to come before Him with a humble heart, and rely on His mercy and love to wash us of our sin.

[Psalm 51.1-4]

1 Have mercy on me, O God,

according to your steadfast love;

according to your abundant mercy

blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity

and cleanse me from my sin!

3 For I know my transgressions,

and my sin is ever before me.

4 Against you, you only, have I sinned

and done what is evil in your sight,

so that you may be justified in your words

and blameless in your judgement.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What attributes of God does David identify?

+ Who does David rely on to free him from sin?

+ What does it mean when David says against God only that he has sinned?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Where in your life is pride preventing you from submitting to God?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?