Psalm 51

1In your kindness, O God, be gracious to me, in your own great pity blot out my transgressions. 2Wash me clean of my guilt, of my sin. 3For well I know my transgressions, my sin is ever before me. 4Against you, only you, have I sinned, and done that which is wrong in your sight: you therefore are just when you speak, and clear when you utter judgment. 5See! In guilt was I brought to the birth, and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6It’s the innermost truth you desire, give me therefore true wisdom of heart. 7Purge me clean with hyssop, 8Fill me with joy and gladness, the bones you have broken rejoice. 9Hide your face from my sins, and blot out my guilt altogether. 10Create me a clean heart, O God, a new steadfast spirit within me. 11Cast me not forth from your presence, not your holy spirit. 12Give me back the joy of your help, with a willing spirit sustain me. 13I will teach your ways to transgressors, and sinners shall turn to you. 14Save me from blood, O God, and my tongue shall ring out your faithfulness. 15Open my lips, O Lord, and my mouth shall declare your praise. 16For in sacrifice you have no pleasure, in gifts of burnt-offering no delight. 17The sacrifice pleasing to God is a spirit that is broken; a heart that is crushed, O God, you will not despise. 18Do good in your pleasure to Zion, the walls of Jerusalem.