Last evening I led a seminar on “The Gospel-Centered Parent.”
We talked about what it looks like to become the chief repenter in our families. The classic text on repentance is the penitential Psalm… Psalm 51,
where David confesses and repents of his sins of adultery and murder.

Here is a simple thought and a prayer from that Psalm:

When Dr. William Carey (called the Father of Modern Missions)
was suffering from a dangerous illness, the inquiry was made,

“If this sickness should prove fatal,
what passage would you select as the text for your funeral sermon?”

He replied, “Oh, I feel that such a poor sinful creature
is unworthy to have anything said about him;
but if a funeral sermon must be preached,
let it be from the words,
‘Have mercy upon me, O God,
according to Thy loving-kindness;
according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies
blot out my transgressions.”

Prayer based on Psalm 51:

Almighty and merciful Father,
you freely forgive those who, as David of old,
acknowledge and confess their sins.
Create in us pure hearts,
and wash away all our sins
in the blood of your dear Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.  AMEN.