O my God, have mercy on me

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.