PSALM 51 (NIV)
- 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 concieved me.
- Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost plalce.
- 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 sines and blot out all my iniquity.
- Create in me 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 blood guilt, 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.
- In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.
- Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar.
