Psalm 51:1–18 | Liturgical Calendar

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.