Prayer for Forgiveness Before Death in Psalms
The Psalms contain expressions of prayer for forgiveness, particularly in the context of impending death or severe distress. These prayers often reflect a deep sense of penitence and a desire for restoration before life ends [1, 2, 6, 9].
One notable example is Psalm 39:13, where the psalmist pleads, "Oh spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go away, and exist no more" [1]. A similar sentiment is found in the Douay-Rheims translation of Psalm 38:14, which reads, "O forgive me, that I may be refreshed, before I go hence, and be no more" [2]. These verses highlight a plea for divine intervention and forgiveness, recognizing the finite nature of human life and the urgency of reconciliation with God before death [1, 2].
The concept of penitential mourning is a recurring theme in Scripture, where individuals express sorrow for their sins and seek God's mercy [5]. This is evident in Psalm 51, which is often cited as a classic expression of true repentance, encompassing conviction, confession, sorrow, and prayer for mercy [6, 9]. The psalmist in Psalm 51 prays against the "blood-guiltiness" of his sin, promising to praise God if delivered from its guilt [7]. Such prayers underscore the belief that forgiveness is a gift from God, and conviction of sin serves as a plea for that forgiveness [6].
Beyond individual pleas, the Psalms also include prayers for those facing dire circumstances, such as imprisonment or a death sentence. Psalm 79:11 asks, "Let the sighing of the prisoner come before you. According to the greatness of your power, preserve those who are sentenced to death" [3]. This demonstrates a broader concern for the vulnerable and a recognition of God's power to deliver even from the brink of death [3].
The urgency of seeking God is also reflected in passages like Psalm 119:147, where the psalmist states, "I rise before dawn and cry for help. I put my hope in your words" [4]. This proactive seeking of God's word and help can be seen as part of a life lived in anticipation of divine judgment and mercy [4]. The practice of considering one's mortality when praying is also noted in other biblical wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, where Agur requests, "Deny me not before I die" [8]. This suggests a consistent biblical theme of seeking God's favor and forgiveness with an awareness of life's brevity.
Sources
- Psalms “Oh spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go away, and exist no more.” -- Psalms 39:13”
- Psalms “Psalms 38:14 (DRC) — O forgive me, that I may be refreshed, before I go hence, and be no more.”
- Psalms “Let the sighing of the prisoner come before you. According to the greatness of your power, preserve those who are sentenced to death. -- Psalms 79:11”
- Psalms “I rise before dawn and cry for help. I put my hope in your words. -- Psalms 119:147”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Mourn — Frequent references are found in Scripture to, (1.) Mourning for the dead. Abraham mourned for Sarah (Gen. 23:2); Jacob for Joseph (37:34, 35); the Egyptians for Jacob (50:3-10); Israel for Aaron (Num. 20:29), for Moses (Deut. 34:8), and for Samuel (1 Sam. 25:1); David for Abner (2 Sam. 3:31, 35); Mary and Martha for Lazarus (John 11); devout men for Stephen (Acts 8:2), etc. (2.) For calamities, Job (1:20, 21; 2:8); Israel (Ex. 33:4); the Ninevites (Jonah 3:5); Israel, when defeated by Benjamin (Judg. 20:26), etc. (3.) Penitential mourning, by the Israelites ”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 51:3: For . . . before me--Conviction precedes forgiveness; and, as a gift of God, is a plea for it (Sa2 12:13; Psa 32:5; Jo1 1:9).”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 51:14: I. David prays against the guilt of sin, and prays for the grace of God, enforcing both petitions from a plea taken from the glory of God, which he promises with thankfulness to show forth. 1. He prays against the guilt of sin, that he might be delivered from that, and promises that then he would praise God, Psa 51:14. The particular sin he prays against is blood-guiltiness, the sin he had now been guilty of, having slain Uriah with the sword of the children of Ammon. Hitherto perhaps he had stopped the mouth of conscience with that frivolous excuse, that he did ”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 30:7: After Agur's confession and creed, here follows his litany, where we may observe, I. The preface to his prayer: Two things have I required (that is, requested) of thee, O God! Before we go to pray it is good to consider what we need, and what the things are which we have to ask of God. - What does our case require? What do our hearts desire? What would we that God should do for us? - that we may not have to seek for our petition and request when we should be presenting it. He begs, Deny me not before I die. In praying, we should think of dying, and pray accordin”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 51 (introduction): On the occasion, compare Sa2 11:12. The Psalm illustrates true repentance, in which are comprised conviction, confession, sorrow, prayer for mercy, and purposes of amendment, and it is accompanied by a lively faith. (Psa. 51:1-19) A plea for mercy is a confession of guilt. blot out--as from a register. transgressions--literally, "rebellions" (Psa 19:13; Psa 32:1).”