Lenten Meditation #9 (2-26-10)

O Lord, it is often so difficult for me to see my own sin. I am blinded by my own stubborn will and my own self-justification and rationalization. It is frequently necessary for You to send another person to speak directly and frankly in personal confrontation. Keep me, O Lord, from going on blindly in some sin. Do send someone to me rather than let me continue in it. Shake me, search me, open my eyes. And when You enable me to see my sin, give me the grace to own it directly and simply, as David did, and say, "Against You, You only have I sinned...that You are...blameless in Your judgment" (Ps.51:1,4). Give me understanding to see that all sin is ultimately against You; a violation of Your holy law, and heinous in Your sight. Let all Your people be sensitive to sin, slow to speak words of self-defense, and quick to confess to You and to others. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, that I may teach transgressors Your ways (Ps.51:12-13).