Psalm 51 is a Prayer of Confession that's actually genuine. With all the celebrities, and even celebrity Christians falling into public sin, only to be followed by half-hearted contrition, or none at all, it's necessary to come back to this psalm and experience what godly sorrow looks like.

Whereas so many leaders of country's and cults have hideous sin in their lives, David stands out as one of few that actually chart a course to repentance. When a Muslim apologist was faced with having to deal with the pedophilia of Muhammad, he side-stepped and mentioned David's infidelity. But Psalm 51 shows us that unlike the progenitor of Islam, David recognized his actions as sin and sought forgiveness and healing.

Psalm 51

1Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!

3For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 4Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. 5Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. 9Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 10Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 11Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 12Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.