A Humble and Contrite Heart
In ancient times, providing a burnt offering was a very normal way to worship God. In fact, it was a requirement. So it is interesting that Psalm 51 offers this prayer, “For you take no delight in sacrifice. If I were to give a burnt offering you would not be pleased.” But then, the prayer continues, “The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God you will not despise.”
The spirit and the heart are metaphors for our inner world. Sometimes this inner world becomes hard with pride and the illusion of self-sufficiency. A broken spirit and a contrite heart are the effects of the realization that I’m not perfect. I’m human. I’m flesh and blood. I’ve made mistakes and I want to change. We may pray: God, I need you. I need your grace and your mercy and your help.
The point is, before anything else, God wants our hearts. And, it is only when we are able to come before the Lord with that openness, that humility, that desire to surrender to God’s will – that our worship, our good works, and our offerings make sense.
Rudyard Kipling wrote, ”When the tumult and shouting dies, the captains and the kings depart: Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice, ‘A humble and contrite heart.’ Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, lest we forget… lest we forget.”
Our prayer is taken from Psalm 51. Let us pray: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Restore me again to the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit. Through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Joe began his ministry in Sarasota, Florida as an associate pastor, and it was in this capacity that he worked alongside the Reverend Dr. Roger Kunkel. Roger was a colleague who became a mentor and treasured friend. From Sarasota, Joe was called to Jacksonville, Florida where he served as the Head of Staff at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Currently, Joe and his family worship and serve at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Switzerland, Florida. Full Bio
