PRAYING TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE NO DIRTY LAUNDRY IN OUR HEARTS

Well it’s Saturday so for many that means it’s laundry day.  Some of us are afraid to approach God because of our “dirty laundry.”  We become aware of our sin and feel embarrassed and ashamed.  God is merciful and kind.  He has no desire to shame or demean us.  God has always been aware of our sin and His love and compassion for us was so great that He sent Jesus into the world to free us from it. 

We can't wash ourselves clean enough to come before God.  On our own we can't do anything about the ugliness of our attitude, words, and actions.  God washes us clean when we turn from our sin and accept Jesus as our Saviour and Lord. All we have to do is ask Him to wash us clean. Here are some words in the Bible to show us how one person asked for this cleansing.

Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Psalm 51:1-2, 7, 10

Just because we ask, do we know that God will actually act?

If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.  1 John 1:9

And what’s the result of that laundry job of the heart?

I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart, so they will obey my decrees and regulations. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God.  Ezekiel 11:19-20

God not only forgives us, He empowers us to live well.  He then sends us out as messengers of hope among others who are struggling just like we were. 

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!  Matthew 5:16, Romans 10:15b

Thank you God for cleaning up the dirty laundry in our hearts and lives.  Help us to put on the clean clothes You provide for us and joyfully offer hope to others by sharing the good news of Jesus with them and how through Jesus, God forgives, God heals, and God restores us to fullness of life.  Help us to live this beautiful life with You as Your messenger of hope to others. Amen

So wherever You’re at today there are words for You to use.  If you’ve never asked God to forgive You then the words about God having mercy and washing Your heart are Your words in this moment.  If you have been washed by God, then I do pray that You and all of us will walk in that joy today and share that hope with others.  Let’s have a great day doing that.