Psalm 51

Have mercy upon me, O God, after your great goodness:¹ according to the multitude of your mercies do away my offences.

Wash me thoroughly from my wickedness: and cleanse me from my sin.

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

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

Behold, I was shapen in wickedness: and in sin has my mother conceived me.

But lo, you require truth in the inward parts: and shall make me to understand wisdom secretly.

You shall purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: you shall wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

You shall make me hear of joy and gladness: that the bones which you have broken may rejoice.

Turn your face away from my sins: and put out all my misdeeds.

Make me a clean heart, O God: and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from your presence: and take not your Holy Spirit from me.

O give me the comfort of your help again: and stablish me with your free Spirit.

Then shall I teach your ways unto the wicked: and sinners shall be converted unto you.

Deliver me from blood guiltiness, O God, you that are the God of my health: and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness.

You shall open my lips, O Lord: and my mouth shall show your praise.

For you desire no sacrifice, else would I give it you: but you delight not in burnt-offerings.

The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, shall you not despise.

O be favourable and gracious unto Sion: build you the walls of Jerusalem.

Then shall you be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, with the burnt-offerings and oblations: then shall they offer young bullocks upon your altar.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;²

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.³