Day 51: Numbers 16-17; Psalm 51

Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me...Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. (Psalm 51:5,7 NIV)

Today I want to share a brief and powerful prayer from St. Augustine. Here is a little context for what I share. We are all born with 'inherent' or 'original' sin. David confesses this as he confesses his act(s) of sin. Our inherent sin leads us to live in sin. When we are saved, God completely forgives our acts of sin, but unless dealt with immediately, as the Book of Common Prayer states: "this infection of nature [original/inherent sin] remains, yes in those who are regenerate [saved by grace]" (the brackets are mine). This becomes a struggle with living victoriously until we surrender to God's Spirit. Pastor Deserea did a masterful job last Wednesday dealing with Psalm 51 and discussing hyssop...it cleanses everything as with fire as it is ingested. Cleansing with hyssop is symbolic of the work of the Holy Spirit (Psalm 51:10-12; Acts 15:8-9) in cleansing us from inherent sin (sanctifying us entirely - 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24). God does this by grace through faith in union with our consecration...absolute surrender. This is for you and for me...God's will and provision. Ponder this prayer:

"Grant what You command, and then command what You will." (St. Augustine)