Psalm 51
1Have mercy on me, O God, according to your
loving-kindness;
in your great compassion blot out my offenses.
2Wash me through and through from my wickedness
and cleanse me from my sin.
3For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
4Against you only have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight.
5And so you are justified when you speak
and upright in your judgment.
6Indeed, I have been wicked from my birth,
a sinner from my mother's womb.
7For behold, you look for truth deep within me,
and will make me understand wisdom secretly
8Purge me from my sin, and I shall be pure;
wash me, and I shall be clean indeed.
9Make me hear of joy and gladness,
that the body you have broken may rejoice.
10Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquities.
11Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
12Cast me not away from your presence
and take not your holy Spirit from me.
13Give me the joy of your saving help again
and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.
14I shall teach your ways to the wicked,
and sinners shall return to you.
15Deliver me from death, O God,
and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness,
O God of my salvation.
16Open my lips, O Lord,
and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
17Had you desired it, I would have offered sacrifice,
but you take no delight in burnt-offerings.
18The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
19Be favorable and gracious to Zion,
and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
20Then you will be pleased with the appointed sacrifices,
with burnt-offerings and oblations;
then shall they offer young bullocks upon your altar.