9th day of Lent

Read Psalm 51

Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness;

According to the greatness of Your compassion

blot out my transgressions.

~verse 1 (New American Standard Bible)

I pray daily for God to forgive my shortcomings. I am aware of them, because it is so easy to go your own way and forget God. During World War II, I would pick a verse from the Bible each day and use it to help me in times of trial. If someone rubbed me the wrong way I would pray for them and recite the verse instead of getting angry. Here are a few examples of verses I would use:

Romans 8:28— And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Proverbs 3: 5-6—Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.

When you practice this, make sure to learn their first name and use it each time you meet. They will usually return your offer of friendship. Those were different times—perhaps you would find that today you could just walk away.

These days, I find myself being short with my wife. I am lucky because she is very forgiving. I’m sure that the Spirit of God dwells within her for her to be so willing to forgive me.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for being so gracious and forgiving. When we fall short, you always respond with compassion. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, and help us to extend your forgiveness to others in our lives. Amen.

~Turney Cornwell