Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Psalm 130

"Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord. Lord,
hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the
voice of my supplications!" (Versus 1-2)

Reflections:

The psalmist is desperate for forgiveness and waiting
on God for relief. I don't know about you, but crying
to God for forgiveness and waiting for relief have not been
my regular habits-that is until recently.

I was in a relationship that ended badly and, boy, did I
feel mistreated. As I cried out to God for relief and for
justice, something in a Sunday sermon grabbed me:
extending forgiveness to another would bring healing to me.
Really? The psalmist points out that if the Lord marks
all our iniquities, who can stand? Forgiveness is extended freely
to us, so shouldn't we extend it to others? So I prayed and
waited.

Even though the relationship remains unchanged, I feel
healthier. Meanwhile, like the psalmist, my soul is waiting
for the Lord and I am watching for the morning.

Prayer:

Oh Lord help us extend others the forgiveness you extend us.
Amen.

(From Covenant Home Altar, dated July 1, 2012)