Still stands thine ancient sacrifice - An humble and a contrite heart.
I'm not trying to justify myself, or say I'm not sorry, or not contrite.
Like sacrifices, prayer is intended to change man, not God. Its purpose is to cultivate a contrite heart, to promote feelings of humility and inadequacy in man, whilst encouraging reliance on Divine assistance.
The kind of gratitude that receives even tribulations with thanksgiving requires a broken heart and a contrite spirit, humility to accept that which we cannot change, willingness to turn everything over to the Lord -even when we do not understand, thankfulness for hidden opportunities yet to be revealed. Then comes a sense of peace. “When was the last time you thanked the Lord for a trial or tribulation? Adversity compels us to go to our knees; does gratitude for adversity do that as well?
All of us should be much more humble and contrite when we point the finger at somebody else, because four more fingers are pointing back at us.
You have to be a little contrite to get redemption.
A humble and contrite heart knows that it can merit nothing before God, and that all that is necessary is to be reconciled to one's helplessness and let our holy and almighty God care for us, just as an infant surrenders himself to his mother's care.
Stick me in a confessional and ask the question: Sir, if you had the authority, would you forbid smoking in America? You'd get a solemn and contrite, Yes.
Between the humble and contrite heart and the majesty of Heaven there are no barriers; the only password is prayer.
It is essential that we renew our covenants by partaking of the sacrament. When we do this with a sincere heart, with real intent, forsaking our sins, and renewing our commitment to God, the Lord provides a way whereby sins can be forgiven from week to week. Simply eating the bread and drinking the water will not bring that forgiveness. We must prepare and then partake with a broken heart and contrite spirit. The spiritual preparation we make to partake of the sacrament is essential to receiving a remission of our sins.
He couldn't even tell whether he was angry or contrite, whether it was forgiveness he wanted or the power to forgive.
