Daily Reading
Reflection
Sin often gets talked about in terms of immoral acts, rather than what it truly is—an innate, pervasive condition that is devastating to the core of our identity. What if we thought of sin as a spiritual disability, as something akin to a chronic, terminal disorder? What if we thought of sin as a distorted perception of the world, a view through a shattered lens? At first glance, this conception of sin might lead us to believe that we are hopeless, doomed to descend into lawlessness. But is this true?
As the Psalmist wrestles with his own brokenness, he paints a dire picture of how the broken lens of sin distorts reality. Writing with heart-wrenching anguish, he mourns his fractured relationship with God. Desperate, he begs God to accept him and look beyond, not only his past actions, but his proclivity towards seeing the world through broken glass, and restore him to full spiritual health. The words seem to have spilled onto the page, like tears flowing from one who has been rejected by his greatest love.
Amazingly, the Psalmist's honest self-examination does not result in despair or resignation, but in the purest form of worship: total vulnerability and honesty before a loving, merciful God. Although the Psalmist admits that our condition is far worse than we thought, we are assured that through God's grace alone, we are saved from ourselves. Because of this boundless hope, we have fuel for mission. The reality of our forgiveness, through the work of Jesus on the Cross, is good news that cannot be contained. It must be shared.
Most merciful Father, I confess that I have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done, and by what I have left undone. I have not loved you with my whole heart. I have not loved my neighbors as I love myself. I beg you to take me back, look beyond my sinful nature, and restore me to what you created me to be. Armed with the knowledge of your love, send me out to tell the world about your unfailing mercy. Because of the work of your Son, Jesus, I know you will do this. Amen.
Daily Worship Resources
Daily Office Readings come from the Book of Common Prayer, a schedule of daily Bible reading that accords with the Church year. These readings are great worship resources for personal, family, or group use. Use it along with your City Church Worship Folder as a resource for readings, prayers, and hymns.
Printable Devotion