“Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have broken rejoice. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:8, 10
Scripture reading: Psalm 51:1-19
A few weeks ago, I was visiting my family and attended church. At the time of confession, the pastor read the Preparatory Exhortation for the Celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Some of you will recognize what that is. For those who do not recognize it, let me explain. In the Presbyterian and Reformed tradition, it was a common practice for the minister to read a form which called on the members of the congregation to make a thorough examination of their heart, attitude and relationships, the Sunday before the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. If there were any lingering sins which remained unconfessed or for which there had been no repentance, such persons were to go to the minister or their elder, seeking such counsel as would quiet their conscience or lead to the conversion of their lives. It was a beautiful practice.
As we’ve spent this month considering accountability, at home, or among a group of Christian friends, what is being suggested is not a new practice, but the restoration of a practice that has, in many circles, fallen into disuse. It is my hope and prayer, as we’ve journeyed together, that our faithful Father has by His Spirit stirred up your imagination and desire so that with renewed vigor and commitment you choose to walk in true community with your family unit, or with a few other believers. By doing this, you will then declare the praises of God Who has delivered you from blood guiltiness and restored you to the joy of our wondrous salvation.
Suggestions for prayer
Thank and praise God for His boundless grace as He has pursued you by His Spirit and brought you to the redeeming love of Jesus.
Rev. Richard T. Vander Vaart and his wife Carolyn are now in their seventh year living in Moncton, NB. with Redemption Prison Ministry as a pastor in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church of Canada. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com