Morning Prayer: After Sin, Aching for God

 


From Morning Prayer: “Whoever has left the darkness of sin yeans for God” [See Psalm 63]

The person who has truly stepped out of sin doesn’t simply avoid evil — they ache for God. Their hunger changes. Their thirst changes. Their whole orientation shifts.

1. What Psalm 63 Actually Describes

Psalm 63 is not the prayer of someone running from punishment. It is the prayer of someone who has tasted God and now cannot live without Him.

“My soul thirsts for you; my flesh longs for you.”

This is the language of desire, not duty.

The psalmist is in the desert — literally or spiritually — and the absence of God feels like dehydration. This is what happens when someone leaves sin: the soul wakes up to its real thirst.

2. Leaving Darkness Changes What We Long For

Sin numbs the appetite for God. When someone steps out of that darkness, the senses come back online.

  • The heart becomes tender again.

  • The conscience becomes clear.

  • The soul becomes hungry.

It’s like stepping out of a smoky room into clean air — suddenly you realize how badly you needed to breathe.

Psalm 63 is the prayer of someone breathing again.

3. The Yearning Itself Is Grace

The longing for God is not something we manufacture. It is the first sign that grace is already at work.

People often think holiness means “trying harder.” Psalm 63 says holiness begins with desire — a desire God Himself awakens.

The one who has left sin doesn’t say, “I must pray.” They say, “I cannot live without You.”

4. The Movement of the Psalm (and of the Soul)

A. Thirst

The soul recognizes its need. This is the moment of awakening.

B. Gaze

“I have looked upon you in the sanctuary.” The soul remembers what God’s presence feels like.

C. Clinging

“My soul clings to you.” This is not moral effort. This is love.


In sum, those who leave the darkness do not merely avoid sin —they rise each morning with a thirst only God can satisfy.”


Note about Morning Prayer: Each morning prayer post reflects on one phrase from the Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours. which can be found in the iBreviary (a downloadable app), Universalis (website) or Divine Office (publication and website).

post production may be assisted by AI in image generation and content (research and wording)


Read more Morning Prayer posts.

Morning Prayer posts inspired by Being Catholic in Troubled Times (Dennis Ortman)


Book Description:

These are times that try our souls. This book is addressed to all, not just Catholics, who search for deeper meaning in tough times. Our age is marked by division and alienation. We long for some message that will bring peace to our world and our hearts.

This book suggests that the Catholic faith can provide strength in these troubled times. The word "catholic" means "all-embracing, universal." Nothing is excluded in the catholic mind. The truth that sets us free can be found everywhere, especially in unexpected places. It is often hidden in plain sight. In our darkest moments, we find new light and life. When we are most despairing, a ray of hope shines through.



Dr. Dennis Ortman, former priest and current psychologist, is the author of Anger Anonymous, Anxiety Anonymous, Depression Anonymous, Being Catholic in Troubled Times, and Life, Liberty, and COVID-19.


For more posts by and about Dennis and his award-winning books, click HERE.



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