Study 2: Prayers of Repentance

Read Psalm 51:1-12

Head

1. In verse 1, what is David asking forgiveness for?

2. Why do you think David says, “Against you, you only have I sinned?”

3. What role does David play in his repentance? What role does God play?

Note: All David brings is his acknowledgement of his own sin. God does all the work of blotting out, cleansing, restoring, etc.

Heart

1. When you’ve sinned, do you find yourself wanting to do a bunch of things to somehow restore your relationship with God?

2. Does that match what we see in Psalm 51?

3. Verse 3 says, “For I know my transgressions.” Why do you think it’s important to know your sins specifically instead of just repenting generally for sin?

4. Do you find it easy or difficult to say prayers of repentance to God? Why or why not?

5. When you pray do you find yourself relying on your effort or God’s unfailing love and compassion (verse 1) to experience forgiveness?

6. Are there any sins you’ve not prayed forgiveness for?

Hands

1. Take the words from Psalm 51 and turn them into your own prayer to God.