But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 19:12-14

Dear God, here’s another verse (14) that is often taken out of context. And there’s nothing wrong with saying the words of that verse, but when you add the part about having unknown sin in my life and the the sins I knowingly commit, it gives even more meaning to verse 14. This isn’t just a declaration of intent, it is part of repentance. It is the turning, setting my face to the wind (I love the imagery of that phrase) and intentionally setting about ensuring these words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart will be pleasing to you. And you are not only my God and my rock. This is about repentance and you are my redeemer as well.

The meditations of my heart will often drive the words of my mouth. I was with some friends last night, and, well, it’s an election time and I noticed a meanness in them about one of the candidates. I could recognize it because I’ve had meanness about particular candidates in the past too, but for the most part I feel like I’ve gotten past a lot of it. I’m concerned and I have my opinions, but it feels like my opinions are becoming less and less important to me. On the other hand, there are some in my life towards whom I do feel legitimate and self-destructive anger. Do I allow my heart to meditate on that anger? Does that anger come out in my words? And I a terrible ambassador for you (in every way) when I do this? The answer to all of those questions is yes.

Father, I sin willfully and unknowingly. I am sorry for them all. I repent from them. May these words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen