Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God

Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God Psalm 51, often associated with King David, is one of the better known psalms of the psalter. “Creator, reshape my heart” is the core petition of this psalm and the most appropriate petition we can make after contemplating today’s readings. The church prays this psalm every Friday as part of the Liturgy of the Hours, making it a constant reminder that God alone is the source of the grace that can transform us. A lament, the psalmist prays for the removal of the personal and social disorder that sin has brought, and then seeks nearness to God and living by the spirit of God. A clean heart is not divided by guilt, sin, or offenses, but a constant reminder that God alone is the source of the grace that can transform us. Have mercy, tender God, forget that I defied you. Wash away my sin, cleanse me from my guilt. Creator, reshape my heart, God, steady my spirit. Do not caste me aside stripped of your holy spirit.Save me, bring back my joy, support me, strengthened my will. Then I will teach your way and sinners will turn to you. [verses taken from The Psalter © 1995, Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications.]