"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." - Psalm 51:17 (ESV)

In an age of shallow religion and performance-driven faith, Psalm 51:16-17 calls God's people back to the heart of true worship: humble repentance before a holy and merciful God.

A Broken and Contrite Heart is a biblically faithful exposition of David's prayer of repentance, written to help believers understand what God truly desires-not empty ritual, but hearts transformed by grace. Grounded firmly in Scripture and aligned with the Southern Baptist Faith and Message (2000), this book traces the theme of repentance from the Old Testament sacrificial system to its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

With pastoral clarity and doctrinal care, John Bailey explores:

• Why God rejects outward religion without inward humility
• What it means to have a broken spirit and a contrite heart
• How repentance relates to faith, assurance, and worship
• The role of Christ as the final and sufficient sacrifice
• How believers live lives marked by continual repentance

Written for pastors, teachers, small groups, and serious Bible students, this book avoids theological novelty while offering rich biblical insight and practical application. It is especially well-suited for church-based study, discipleship, and cross-cultural ESL Bible instruction.

A Broken and Contrite Heart calls readers away from hollow religion and toward gospel-shaped repentance-repentance that God welcomes, heals, and never despises.