Dear Lord, we have made mistakes, which we cannot undo. We have made poor choices, and, in failing to resist pressure, we have not stood by our convictions. We have slipped into temptation, or gladly chosen wrong-doing, only to regret it afterwards.
Dear Lord, if we could go back and change those decisions, we would do so, for in the light of your presence we see that anything that is not true to you is a lie, and deeply damaging, for us and for those around us.
We ask you to forgive us, restore us, heal us. Help us to embrace the way forward that you show us in the graceful loving kindness of Jesus.
Lord, many of us already suffer from too much guilt, so – rather than seeking to change by taking on yet more guilt – instead, help us to look clearly and calmly at the gift of new life that you offer, to understand better the challenges that we face, and to accept the guidance and strength of your Spirit, that we may, indeed, perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name.
Amen.
Spiritual Devotion 