Psalm 51

1Be gracious to me, God, according to your kindness; according to the abundance of your compassions, blot out my transgressions.

2Wash me abundantly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

3For I know my transgressions, and my sin stands always before me.

4To you alone have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you prove righteous when you speak and pure when you judge.

5Indeed, I was born in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.

6Behold, truth is what you desire in the inward parts; in the hidden part you teach me wisdom.

7Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be pure; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8Cause me to hear joy and gladness, that the bones you have crushed may rejoice.

9Hide your face from my sins, and wipe out all my iniquities.

10Create a pure heart for me, God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11Do not cast me from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me.

12Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit.

13I will instruct rebels in your ways, and sinners will turn to you.

14Rescue me from bloodshed, O God, God of my salvation; my tongue will cry out joyfully over your righteousness.

15Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.

16For you do not delight in sacrifice, or I would offer it; burnt offerings do not please you.

17God's offerings are a broken spirit, a broken and crushed heart—O God, you will not disdain.

18As it pleases you, do good to Zion; build the walls of Jerusalem.

19Then you will delight in righteous sacrifices, burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then they will offer bulls on your altar.