51
Psalm 51 – God be Merciful to Me, the Sinner
For the leader. A psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet come to him after he had been with Bathsheba.
1 In your kindness, O God, be gracious to me,
in your own great pity blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me clean of my guilt,
make me pure of my sin.
3 For well I know my transgressions,
my sin is ever before me.
4 Against you, only you, have I sinned,
and done that which is wrong in your sight:
you therefore are just when you speak,
and clear when you utter judgment.
5 See! In guilt was I brought to the birth,
and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 It’s the innermost truth you desire,
give me therefore true wisdom of heart.
7 Purge me clean with hyssop,
wash me whiter than snow.
8 Fill me with joy and gladness,
let the bones you have broken rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out my guilt altogether.
10 Create me a clean heart, O God,
put a new steadfast spirit within me.
11 Cast me not forth from your presence,
withdraw not your holy spirit.
12 Give me back the joy of your help,
with a willing spirit sustain me.
13 I will teach your ways to transgressors,
and sinners shall turn to you.
14 Save me from blood, O God,
and my tongue shall ring out your faithfulness.
15 Open my lips, O Lord ,
and my mouth shall declare your praise.
16 For in sacrifice you have no pleasure,
in gifts of burnt-offering no delight.
17 The sacrifice pleasing to God
is a spirit that is broken;
a heart that is crushed, O God,
you will not despise.
18 Do good in your pleasure to Zion,
build the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then will you welcome the due forms of sacrifice,