A prayer for everybody who is not perfect. Psalm 32

Psalm 32 (New Living Translation)

1 Oh, what joy for those
whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sin is put out of sight!
2 Yes, what joy for those
whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt,[b]
whose lives are lived in complete honesty!
3 When I refused to confess my sin,
my body wasted away,
and I groaned all day long.
4 Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.
My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.
Interlude
5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you
and stopped trying to hide my guilt.
I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.”
And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.
Interlude

6 Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time,
that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment.
7 For you are my hiding place;
you protect me from trouble.
You surround me with songs of victory.
Interlude

8 The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.
9 Do not be like a senseless horse or mule
that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”

10 Many sorrows come to the wicked,
but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord.
11 So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him!
Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!

Lord, I thank you for your unending and forgiving love. I thank you for the tools you have given us to obey you. Help us to use those tools. Life seems easier sometimes when we choose to create our own path instead of follow yours. Help us to turn to you not only in our times of joy and happiness and when things are going perfectly, but when we are full of sorrow, guilt, and shame. Lord you erase our wrongdoings when we find rest in you. Help us to trust that you know what is best for us. Help us to understand the punishment we hand ourselves that is full of guilt, sorrow, and shame can be lifted up from our shoulders and we can be free to find peace in you.

Lord, help us not to judge others for their wrong choices and difficult decisions. Help us to remember we are one choice, word, thought, or action away from being perfect. Show us situations from others' perspectives. Let us forgive those who have wronged us and allow us all to join in feeling and experiencing your unfailing and everlasting love.

Amen.