Psalm 51

O my God, have mercy on me

in your steadfast love, I pray;

In your infinite compassion

my transgressions wipe away.

Cleanse me from iniquity;

wash my sin away from me.

For I know my own transgressions;

I can see my sinful plight.

You, you only, I’ve offended,

and done evil in your sight;

So your words are verified,

and your verdict justified.

From my birth I have been sinful—

such the nature I received—

Sinful from my first beginning

in my mother’s womb conceived.

Truth you look for in my heart;

wisdom to me you impart.

Cleanse with hyssop, purify me;

I’ll be whiter than the snow.

Let the bones you crushed be joyful;

may I joy and gladness know.

From my failure hide your face;

blot out all my wickedness.

Lord, create a pure heart in me,

and a steadfast mind renew.

Do not take your Spirit from me;

cast me not away from you.

Give me back the joy I had;

keep my willing spirit glad.

Then I’ll teach your ways to sinners;

rebels will turn back to you.

Free me from blood-guilt, my Saviour,

God most merciful and true.

Then I’ll praise your righteousness;

teach my lips your name to bless.

Sacrifice does not delight you,

else my tribute I would bring;

Nor do you take any pleasure

in a whole burnt offering.

Contrite heart as sacrifice

you, O God, will not despise.

Let your blessing rest on Zion;

build Jerus’lem’s walls again.

Sacrifices then will please you—

bulls upon your altar slain,

Off’rings made for your delight,

truly righteous in your sight.