Rend Your Heart

 

Oh Lord, I’ve led a sinful life,
As has all of mankind
Since Eve first disobeyed Your law.
Sin’s too easy to find.
 
You redeemed us upon the cross,
Our pain and shame You bore,
That we might have a second chance
To “go and sin no more.”
 
It is a choice we have to make,
Contrition or remain
Living in sin despite Your grace.
The choice is stark and plain.
 
In days long past tradition was
We’d rend our clothes in shame,
Then cover our head in ashes,
Your forgiveness to claim.
 
Yet, it does no good to rend clothes,
That’s not where sins abide.
Instead, I’ll rend my heart and leave
Sin with no place to hide.
 
For it is in the heart of man
Where sin dwells and holds sway.
We must open our hearts to You
To wash that sin away.
 
So, each day I will bow my head
And rend my heart anew,
Knowing that true forgiveness, Lord,
Is always found in You.
 
Joel 2:13
Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.