Psalm 51
Miserere mei, Deus
1
Have mercy upon me, O God, in your great goodness; *
according to the multitude of your mercies wipe away my offences.
2
Wash me thoroughly from my wickedness *
and cleanse me from my sin.
3
For I acknowledge my faults, *
and my sin is ever before me.
4
Against you only have I sinned, and done this evil in your sight, *
so that you are justified in your sentence, and blameless in your judgment.
5
Behold, I was brought forth in wickedness, *
and in sin my mother conceived me.
6
But behold, you desire truth in the inward parts *
and shall make me understand wisdom secretly.
7
You shall purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; *
you shall wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8
You shall make me hear of joy and gladness, *
that the bones which you have broken may rejoice.
9
Turn your face from my sins *
and blot out all my misdeeds.
10
Create in me a clean heart, O God, *
and renew a right spirit within me.
11
Cast me not away from your presence *
and take not your holy Spirit from me.
12
O give me the comfort of your help again *
and sustain me with your willing Spirit.
13
Then shall I teach your ways unto the wicked, *
and sinners shall return unto you.
14
Deliver me from blood-guilt, O God, the God of my salvation, *
and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness.
15
O Lord, open my lips, *
and my mouth shall show forth your praise.
16
For you desire no sacrifice, or else I would give it to you; *
but you delight not in burnt-offerings.
17
The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit; *
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you shall not despise.
18
O be favorable and gracious unto Zion; *
may you build up the walls of Jerusalem.
19
Then you shall be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, with the burnt-offerings and oblations; *
then shall they offer young bullocks upon your altar.