Psalm 51 Miserere mei, Deus

1

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness; *
in your great compassion blot out my offenses.

2

Wash me through and through from my wickedness *
and cleanse me from my sin.

3

For I know my transgressions, *
and my sin is ever before me.

4

Against you only have I sinned *
and done what is evil in your sight.

5

And so you are justified when you speak *
and upright in your judgment.

6

Indeed, I have been wicked from my birth, *
a sinner from my mother's womb.

7

For behold, you look for truth deep within me, *
and will make me understand wisdom secretly.

8

Purge me from my sin, and I shall be pure; *
wash me, and I shall be clean indeed.

9

Make me hear of joy and gladness, *
that the body you have broken may rejoice.

10

Hide your face from my sins *
and blot out all my iniquities.

11

Create in me a clean heart, O God, *
and renew a right spirit within me.

12

Cast me not away from your presence *
and take not your holy Spirit from me.

13

Give me the joy of your saving help again *
and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.

14

I shall teach your ways to the wicked, *
and sinners shall return to you.

15

Deliver me from death, O God, *
and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness,
O God of my salvation.

16

Open my lips, O Lord, *
and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

17

Had you desired it, I would have offered sacrifice, *
but you take no delight in burnt-offerings.

18

The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit; *
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

19

Be favorable and gracious to Zion, *
and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

20

Then you will be pleased with the appointed sacrifices,
with burnt-offerings and oblations; *
then shall they offer young bullocks upon your altar.