A Psalm of Forgiveness

1 To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

2 O my God, in You I trust; let me not be put to shame;

    let not my enemies exult over me.

3 Indeed, none who wait for You shall be put to shame;

    they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.

4 Make me to know Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths.

5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of 

  my salvation; for You I wait all the day long.

6 Remember Your mercy, O Lord, and Your steadfast love,

    for they have been from of old.

7 Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions;

    according to Your steadfast love remember me,

    for the sake of Your goodness, O Lord!

The God of our salvation, the Lord of the Covenant, has delivered us from the sins of our “youth” (I say as a 66-year-old man still throwing myself at God’s feet seeking forgiveness daily). The Lutheran Study Bible notes that this song may have been sung at the start of worship, which reflects the very “Order of Worship” we have today. 

We enter worship seeking forgiveness, and the pastor speaks the words of absolution upon hearing our confession. We have been in a season of penitence, reflecting on the need of a Savior who is soon to be sentenced, beaten, sent to His death, and who will rise from the dead. This act enables us to walk with Him in faith. God is the God of our salvation! His steadfast love, since having “been from of old,” removes our sin and transgressions.

We pray: Grace-filled God, I give thanks for the mercy and forgiveness You have given me through Your Son Jesus Christ. In His name I pray, Amen.