Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: August 8, 2024

Date: Thursday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time/Memorial of St. Dominic

Scripture Text:  Psalm 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19

R.  Create a clean heart in me, O God.

A clean heart create for me, O God,

and a steadfast spirit renew within me.

Cast me not out from your presence,

and your Holy Spirit take not from me.

R. Create a clean heart in me, O God.

Give me back the joy of your salvation,

and a willing spirit sustain in me.

I will teach transgressors your ways,

and sinners shall return to you.

R. Create a clean heart in me, O God.

For you are not pleased with sacrifices;

should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it.

My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;

a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.

R. Create a clean heart in me, O God.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The responsorial psalm today is a portion of psalm 51 which calls upon the LORD for a clean heart and steadfast spirit and the guidance of the Spirit. Humble contrition is offered rather than burnt offering.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I willing to acknowledge my failings and sins with humble contrition? Do I seek the LORD’s mercy? Do I seek the Spirit for future guidance?

Praying:

LORD, Father, Son, Spirit, I lift my mind and heart to You in praise for all You are: Creator, Savior, and Sanctifier. I surrender in authentic love to You and to your will. With humble contrition, I beg You for mercy for those times I strayed from your will, those time I chose what I wanted over what You desired for me and from me. Guide me, LORD, strengthen my love, LORD, so that I might become the child You created me to be and the disciple You call me to be. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and forever, world without end. Amen.