We are all broken people in need of forgiveness. But forgiveness alone is not enough. We need renewal. In the opening words of Psalm 51, we are overwhelmed by how ready God is to pour out His mercy. As the prayer deepens, David teaches us the next honest, life-giving request: “Lord, me.” Not Not Not WHICH MEANS WE ALLOW GOD TO DEAL WITH SIN IN US AT EVERY LEVEL. First, “Lord, deal with how my sin has separated me from You” –> Remove the Psalm 51:7a Next, “Make me pure and clean before You” –> Erase the Psalm 51:7b Then, “Lord, mend how my sin has wrecked me” –> Heal the Psalm 51:8 Finally, “Restore how I see myself as I move forward” –> Blot out the Psalm 51:9 Questions for Further Reflection & Discussion What’s something you like to clean or organize because it just feels good when it’s done? (A room, a car, an inbox, a project, etc.) Read Psalm 51:7-9 and review the sermon outline. What gets you thinking and why? David doesn’t stop at asking for mercy (vs. 1). He goes on to ask God to cleanse him (vs. 7). Why do you think people often stop at forgiveness and don’t ask for renewal? We see the same thing in 1 John 1:9. Coming at question #3 in light of this passage, why do you think many people focus on confessing sin, but don’t move on and focus on being cleansed from sin? If God forgave us of all sin completely at the cross, why do you think He still wants us to deal with it before Him? How should God's forgiveness change the way a person sees themselves? What helps you trust that God truly removes the penalty of sin rather than keeping it “on record” against you? The prayer “Lord, un-sin me” is short and unconventional. How do you think this prayer might be especially for your relationship with God and why?