Psalms 51 · Grade 5

Create in Me a Clean Heart

Name Date

Read and Think

The title of Psalm 51 says David wrote it when Nathan the prophet came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Instead of hiding his sin, David confesses it. He appeals to God's loving kindness and the multitude of his tender mercies, asking God to blot out his transgressions.

David admits, Against you, and you only, I have sinned. He says he was born in iniquity, meaning sin has been part of him from the start. He asks for more than forgiveness: he asks God to create in him a clean heart and renew a right spirit within him. He pleads, Don't take your Holy Spirit from me.

David knows that burnt offerings alone do not please God. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a heart that is truly sorry. Once forgiven, David promises to teach transgressors God's ways and to sing of his righteousness. The psalm ends with a prayer for Zion and the walls of Jerusalem.

Show What You Know

Why does David appeal to God's loving kindness?
What does David ask for besides forgiveness?
What are the sacrifices of God?
What will David do once he is forgiven?

Crossword

Across

Have ____ on me.
____ me thoroughly from my iniquity.
And don’t take your Holy ____ from me.

Down

Create in me a ____ heart.
You will not despise a broken and contrite ____.

Think About It

David asked for a new heart, not just to escape trouble. What is the difference?
How can a person who has been forgiven help others turn back to God?

Memory Verse

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. O God, you will not despise a broken and contrite heart.”

Psalms 51:17 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for forgiving me and making my heart clean. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

Why does God want a sorry heart more than a sacrifice?
How does God's forgiveness change the way you live?
What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?