Psalm 51

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. When Nathan the prophet came to him after his adultery with Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. Begin Abide·

Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Begin Abide·

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Begin Abide·

Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be proved right when You speak and blameless when You judge. Begin Abide·

Surely I was brought forth in iniquity; I was sinful when my mother conceived me. Begin Abide·

Surely You desire truth in the inmost being; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Begin Abide·

Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Begin Abide·

Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones You have crushed rejoice. Begin Abide·

Hide Your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities. Begin Abide·

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Begin Abide·

Cast me not away from Your presence; take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Begin Abide·

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit. Begin Abide·

Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will return to You. Begin Abide·

Deliver me from bloodguilt, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing of Your righteousness. Begin Abide·

O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. Begin Abide·

For You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; You take no pleasure in burnt offerings. Begin Abide·

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. Begin Abide·

In Your good pleasure, cause Zion to prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem. Begin Abide·

Then You will delight in righteous sacrifices, in whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on Your altar. Begin Abide·