and renew the right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Psalm 51:10-12.
This is a common plea of those who have committed a grievous sin such as King David (2 Samuel 11). However, this prayer can be useful any time we need to have a more righteous standing before God.
Sometimes we fail to ask for cleansing from bitterness, strife, hatred and even undue grief from our hearts. Maybe we believe our emotions and actions are justified because of some injustice we have experienced. Our circumstances, education and a carnal world may justify and reinforce those emotions which can alienate a loving God. However, we can ask for forgiveness, a cleansed heart and renewal of a right spirit within us despite the blindness caused by our circumstances and the human condition.
We may have not because we have not asked. And asked and asked and asked. (Matthew 7:11) As with anything else, we are to keep asking until we receive. Remembering we are petitioning a creative force. Therefore, we are to expect creative results:
life from a situation that may seem full of death
light into the darkness
peace within the chaos
hope instead of despair
love overcoming hate
reconciliation instead of alienation of all that is pure and holy
Clean and right.
Ask.
Just ask.
