Psalm 51

Psalm 51


Have mercy on me, O God,
       according to your unfailing love;
       according to your great compassion
       blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity 
       and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
       and my sin is always before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
       and done what is evil in your sight,
       so that you are proved right when you speak
       and justified when you judge.
Surely I was sinful at birth,
       sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
       you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
       wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
       let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins
       and blot out all my iniquity.
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
       and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
       or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
       and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
       and sinners will turn back to you.
Save me from bloodguilt, O God,
       the God who saves me,
       and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
O Lord, open my lips,
       and my mouth will declare your praise.
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
       you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
       a broken and contrite heart,
       O God, you will not despise.
In your good pleasure make Zion prosper;
       build up the walls of Jerusalem.
Then there will be righteous sacrifices,
       whole burnt offerings to delight you;
       then bulls will be offered on your altar.