Merciful Father,

As our Bible study considered David’s abuse of power

 against Bathsheba this week, 

we were reminded again of the importance of regular confession. 

When we make confession a part of our daily prayer, 

it’s harder to allow a sin that begins with a fleeting thought 

to multiply into many and monstrous sins. 

David, the anointed King of Israel stayed home from battle, 

looked at Bathsheba bathing, 

decided he wanted her for his own 

(even though she was the wife of his war buddy, Uriah), 

took her, impregnated her, 

tried to cover the sin,

 then when that failed, 

murdered his faithful defender, Uriah. 

We recognize ourselves in this sin. 

Like David, you have generously, 

extravagantly blessed us 

with your grace and your provision, 

and yet we have reached for what is not ours. 

Though we may not have committed physical murder, 

we have murdered others in our thoughts or words or deeds, 

perhaps lied to cover a failure or sin or insecurity. 

Because we know the darkness of our hearts, 

we come to you, Lord, 

seeking mercy, 

saying with David,

“Have mercy on me, O God, 

according to your steadfast love; 

according to your abundant mercy, 

blot out my transgressions. 

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity 

and cleanse me from my sin” (Psalm 51:1-2).

Thank you that we can come to you confidently, 

knowing that in Jesus, 

you have heard our prayer 

and forgiven us our sin.

In his cleansing name we pray. Amen.

Read Psalm 51.