Psalm 51:11
“Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.”
KJV
Read in Psalm 51Meaning
The prayer not to be cast from God’s presence or deprived of the holy spirit expresses dependence on God’s sustaining presence rather than entitlement.
Cleansing, renewal, and a steadfast spirit
Psalm 51 is a penitential prayer traditionally linked by its superscription to David after Nathan confronted him. It moves from appeal to God’s steadfast love and honest confession, through cleansing and inner renewal, toward restored witness, humble worship, and concern for Zion. Repentance here neither erases harm done to others nor turns contrition into self-hatred.
Read carefully
The prayer not to be cast from God’s presence or deprived of the holy spirit expresses dependence on God’s sustaining presence rather than entitlement.
Reflection
The prayer not to be cast from God’s presence or deprived of the holy spirit expresses dependence on God’s sustaining presence rather than entitlement.