When forgiveness is needed, a reflection on The Prayer of Manasseh

Look back at 2 Kings 21 to see the poor evaluation of King Manasseh's reign over Judah. Not only did he encourage the worship of many false gods, he also had many innocent people murdered. Yet, the Apocrypha includes this prayer attributed to him.

The prayer opens with acknowledgement of how powerful God is and how feared. But not only feared, God is merciful, relenting at human sufferings. God forgives those who repent. God will forgive even me.

Read again the last few verses if you find yourself needing forgiveness for something you really should notLook back at 2 Kings 21 to see the poor evaluation of King Manasseh's reign over Judah. Not only did he encourage the worship of many false gods, he also had many innocent people murdered. Yet, the Apocrypha includes this prayer attributed to him.

The prayer opens with acknowledgement of how powerful God is and how feared. But not only feared, God is merciful, relenting at human sufferings. God forgives those who repent. God will forgive even me.

Read again the last few verses if you find yourself needing forgiveness for something you really should not have done:

I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned,
and I acknowledge my transgressions.
I earnestly implore you,
forgive me, O Lord, forgive me!
Do not destroy me with my transgressions!
Do not be angry with me forever or store up evil for me;
do not condemn me to the depths of the earth.
For you, O Lord, are the God of those who repent,
and in me you will manifest your goodness;
for, unworthy as I am, you will save me according to your great mercy,
and I will praise you continually all the days of my life.
For all the host of heaven sings your praise,

and yours is the glory forever. Amen. have done:

I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned,
and I acknowledge my transgressions.
I earnestly implore you,
forgive me, O Lord, forgive me!
Do not destroy me with my transgressions!
Do not be angry with me forever or store up evil for me;
do not condemn me to the depths of the earth.
For you, O Lord, are the God of those who repent,
and in me you will manifest your goodness;
for, unworthy as I am, you will save me according to your great mercy,
and I will praise you continually all the days of my life.
For all the host of heaven sings your praise,
and yours is the glory forever. Amen.