A Prayer of Repentance
For turning back to God — honest confession, and the mercy that meets it.
Repentance is not grovelling; it is coming home. This prayer is for honest confession — a turning back that God meets not with scorn but with a running welcome.
The prayer
Father, I have sinned — not vaguely, but really — and I am done making excuses for it. I bring it into the light before you.
I have done what I should not, and left undone what I should. Against you, above all, have I sinned. I am sorry, and I turn from it now.
Create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me. Wash me, and I shall be clean; you have never once turned away a returning heart.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and hold me up. Thank you that your mercy is deeper than my failure. I turn, and I trust your forgiveness. Amen.
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Create in me a clean heart, O God — repentance is the door, not the punishment; mercy is always waiting on the other side of it.
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