March 23

Psalm 51 Verse 11: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

This is a standard prayer for most Episcopalians and probably for many Christians throughout the world. I find the prayer to be inclusive of all I might do against others and against my own life. It encompasses all of the sinful actions and thoughts one might perform with or without premeditation. When each of us turns to God and repeats this prayer, I think of it as the most complete cleansing we could have when God answers this prayer. This prayer can be used by anyone who believes in God, or Yahweh, or Allah, or whatever deity is acclaimed by humanity, as it speaks directly to the main reason we humans have so much difficulty living on this planet in harmony. We do not have clean hearts. We do not have right spirits. We argue about mundane, unimportant things which we claim have a guiding interest in promoting our own agendas. I wonder what this world would be like if we simply accepted the concept of loving one another without regard to their rituals or tenets. As a Christian, I believe Jesus Christ is the way to God. I understand others might not believe this. Because I believe this tenet, I feel assured that all of humanity can be saved to eternal life even if they die as non-Christians. So why is it so important to convince anyone of the futility of their religious beliefs if God will sort out the entire minutia we create and perfect us through His guidance? I will continue to pray for a clean heart and a right spirit within me. When I fall from God’s grace because of my sins, known and unknown, I have faith that God will reinstate me when I ask forgiveness of Him. May we all come to share in His heavenly grace.