Repentance, The Penitent's Psalm - Psalm 51

Psalm 51, the psalm par excellence of "Repentance," has been very accurately labeled as: "The Sinner's Guide," for the advice, help, and comfort it provides to every repentant sinner. It is one of the most precious gems in the entire Psalter and contains instructions of such important value and doctrinal content that not even the language of angels could do justice to its content. It is the first psalm where the word Spirit appears applied to the Holy Spirit. It is the most moving of all the Psalms; and certainly one that best applies to me personally. It springs forth as an outpouring from a soul đau hurt by the feeling of a grave and recent transgression.

Happy is the believer who feels in their heart the pang of pain caused by the admission and recognition of their wickedness; for the sincerity of their repentance will lead them to an effective, total, and complete inner peace! A Psalm that, as Athanasius of Alexandria [296-373] recommends in one of his writings addressed to a specific group of Christians, we should read frequently and recite whenever we wake up restless and overwhelmed at night.