Jesus, my feet are dirty. Come even as a slave to me, pour water into your bowl, come and wash my feet. In asking such a thing I know I am overbold, but I dread what was threatened when you said to me, “If I do not wash your feet I have no fellowship with you.” Wash my feet then, because I long for your companionship.
– Origen, c. 185–254

“My feet are dirty” — Origen's powerful opening line in that ancient prayer sums up the condition of humankind. Paul went on at length about this:

And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can't. I want to do what is good, but I don't. (Romans 7:18-19 NLT)

Paul anguished over his propensity to sin and be at odds with God's divine will, no matter how hard he tried.

We are invited to do the same and recognize our fundamental state. Only then can we be open to fully embrace His forgiveness. Assurance is found in the very next chapter of Romans.

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1-2)

Take a moment and search for the song Freely, freely.

God forgave my sin in Jesus' name
I've been born again in Jesus' name
And in Jesus' name I come to you
To share His love as He told me to …

Our prayer for General Assembly is that the court will earnestly and humbly confess and then with cleansed hearts be willing to submit to the Holy will of God.

Download the Prayer Guide for the week to come.