A backslidder's prayer for spiritual cleansing and renewal
by Prof. Harding

Psalms 51

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

David:

1. Asked God to change his heart from a sinful heart to a clean heart.

["create" - called upon God's Almighty power which created the world to change his heart.]

2. Asked God to make him steadfast in his allegiance to Him.

3. Asked God to allow him to enjoy personal, intimate fellowship with Him.

4. Asked God to retain him in the position of leadership.

["Holy Spirit" - empowerment of the Kings for the tasks which God prepares for them. e.g., Saul - white dove, David - oil]

5. Asked God to restore to him the joy of God's salvation from the penalty and power of sin.

6. Asked God to keep him from falling into sin by making him willing to obey God's commandments.

Philippians 2:13 - "for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose."