God, Be Merciful to Me

Verse 1

God, be merciful to me; On thy grace I rest my plea; Plenteous in compassion thou, Blot out my transgressions now; Wash me, make me pure within; Cleanse, oh, cleanse me from my sin.

Verse 2

My transgressions I confess; Grief and guilt my soul oppress; I have sinned against thy grace And provoked thee to thy face; I confess thy judgment just; Speechless, I thy mercy trust.

Verse 3

I am wretched, born in sin; Thou desirest truth within; Thou alone my Savior art; Teach thy wisdom to my heart; Make me pure, thy grace bestow, Wash me whiter than the snow.

Verse 4

Broken, humbled to the dust, By thy wrath and judgment just, Let my contrite heart rejoice And in gladness hear thy voice; From my sins, O hide thy face; Blot them out in boundless grace.

Verse 5

Gracious God, my heart renew, Make my spirit right and true Cast me not away from thee, Let thy Spirit dwell in me; Thy salvation’s joy impart; Steadfast make my willing heart.

Verse 6

Sinners then shall learn from me And return, O God, to thee; Savior, all my guilt remove, And my tongue shall sing thy love; Touch my silent lips, O Lord, And my mouth shall praise accord.

Verse 7

Not the formal sacrifice Hath acceptance in thine eyes; Broken hearts are in thy sight, More than sacrificial rite; Contrite spirit, pleading cries, Thou, O God, will not despise.

Verse 8

Prosper Zion in thy grace And her broken walls replace; Then our righteous sacrifice Shall delight thy holy eyes; Free-will offerings, gladly made, On thy altar shall be made.