"As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” — Psalm 103:12

O God, 

Here I am again. Steeped in sin. Some of it I know, and so much I’m sure I don’t. You say that you love me as high as the heavens. You say that you remove my sin as far as the east is from the west. And I realize that it must be so. If your love were any less, you would’ve tired of my constant wandering and abandoned me long ago. If your mercy were not endless, you’d keep a record of my wrongs and hold them over me. Yet, you do not. You forgive my every honest confession and love me still. Not because I deserve it, but because Jesus has already paid the price. Not because of who I am, but because of who you are—love itself and mercy without end. So, I come again to you, asking for mercy and love, knowing only you could give it and will, knowing you will forgive and embrace me yet again. 

God, hear my confession.

I have sinned against you…on purpose. I knew what was wrong, and yet I did it anyway. I embraced and chased after the very things you warn against. I chose my own way, ignoring your wisdom and good plan. And the consequences of my sin are evident. I see them. I feel them. O God, please forgive how I have intentionally sinned against you in these specific ways:

Not only have I done what’s wrong, I have not done what is right. I have ignored your Spirit. I have not listened to your voice, calling me to love others above my own selfish desires. I have not loved generously as you have loved me. I have not forgiven and reconciled with others, even though this is what you’ve done for me. Show me where I have plugged my ears to you. O my God, forgive me for disregarding you in these ways: 

God, I praise you. You hear me. You forgive me. You love me. 

Now I wonder only this: How far is the east? Where does the west stop? This is where you’ve sent my shame. This is where you’ve hurled my burden. How high is heaven? And where does it end? This is your love for me—boundless as you are. O let me live in your love. Let me hold fast to you, as you hold fast to me. 

Amen.