Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.
Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother
conceived me.
Surely you desire truth in the inner
parts;
you teach me wisdom in the inmost
place.
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be
clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than
snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed
rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.
Create in my a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within
me.
Do not cast me from your presence,
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to
sustain me.
Then I will teach transgressors your
ways,
and sinners will turn back to you.
Save me from bloodguilt, O God,
the God who saves me,
and my tongue will sing of your
righteousness.
O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I
would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt
offerings.
The sacrifices of God are a broken
spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise

Psalm 51:1-17