Psalms 51

A Prayer for Mercy, Cleansing, and Renewal After Sin

2 min read

1

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving kindness: according to the multitude of your tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

 2

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

 3

For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

 4

Against you, you only, have I sinned, and done this evil in your sight: that you might be justified when you speak, and be clear when you judge.

 5

Behold, I was shaped in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

 6

Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part you shall make me to know wisdom.

 7

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

 8

Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which you have broken may rejoice.

 9

Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.

 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

Restore to me the joy of your salvation; and uphold me with your free spirit.

 13

Then will I teach transgressors your ways; and sinners shall be converted to you.

 14

Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, you God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

 15

O Lord, open you my lips; and my mouth shall show forth your praise.

 16

For you desire not sacrifice; else would I give it: you delight not in burnt offering.

 17

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

 18

Do good in your good pleasure to Zion: build you the walls of Jerusalem.

 19

Then shall you be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks on your altar.