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We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 101  Listen to Psalm 101 Is it possible to lead a truly blameless life? This psalm of David encourages us to do so. The psalmist is speaking to himself and sets out the ideal that he and his heirs should aim for. To be blameless (verses 2, 6) and have nothing to do with anything vile (verse 3), or evil (verse 4), slander (verse 5), pride (verse 5), deceit (verse 7) or lies (verse 7). These are sins of thought, word and deed and will bring us under God's judgement (verses 7-8). Yet even David, a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22), didn't lead a blameless life; nor did his heirs. Paul writing to the Romans says, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). The psalm looks forward to a future Davidic king, a Messiah who will lead a truly blameless life. Jesus was tempted in every way, just like we are, and yet did not sin (Hebrews 4:15). Through his death on the cross, he has reconciled us to God, taking our sins upon his body, so that we may be blameless (Colossians 1:22). The Apostle John writes, "If we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). This is a free gift of grace to all who would receive it (Romans 3:24). Most merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we confess that we have sinned in thought, word and deed. We have not loved you with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. In your mercy forgive what we have been, help us to amend what we are, and direct what we shall be; that we may do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, our God.