Psalm 32:9 - Be not like a horse or mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.

Lord God, sin is so deceptive and I am often deceived. I am so deceiving and so often fall into the trap of covering up, denying, pretending, justifying, even hiding away from you and other people. Foolishly I hide sin in my heart from you and sometimes even from my own sight because I’ve done such a great job of justifying it. I push people away silently and sometimes loudly because they might see my sin and call me on it. But God I am as much as in need of rebuke and correction as the next. I am often blind to my own need. I need a Nathan to come. But more, I need you, dear Father, close behind. I need your forgiveness and mercy. I am often as dumb as a donkey. Forgive me for stubborn impenitence and pride that hides my sin and keeps it. Forgive me, Lord, because your mercy and kindness is great. Forgive me, Lord, so that the crushing blow of sin may be removed. Be a cleansing place to which I can always go for forgiving. Be a hiding place in which I can always go to be safe. Then I will be blessed because my sin covered, my debt is paid, and I am yours. Amen.