Psalm 51

(A psalm by King David composed at the time when Nathan confronted him after his adultery with Bathsheba)

Be forgiving of me, O God.
In keeping with your compassion
And your many tender mercies.
Please wipe away my transgressions.
Wash away my iniquity
And purify me of my sin,
For I know that my transgressions,
And my sin is ever present.

Against you, and you alone, have I sinned
And in your eyes have done a wicked thing.
You are justified in your pronouncements,
And your judging of me is without blame.

I was sinful when I was born,
Sinful since my mother conceived me.
But you desire an honest heart
Even in the womb and it was there
That you taught me your hidden wisdom.

Purge me with hyssop and I will be clean.
Wash me and will be whiter than the snow.

Let me hear again sounds of joy and gladness
That the bones you have broken may rejoice.

Turn your face away from my sins
And erase all my iniquities.

Create in me, O God, a heart of virtue.
Renew the devoted spirit within me.
Do not send me away from your presence
Or withdraw your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
And a spirit willing to sustain me.
Then will I teach your ways to transgressors,
So that sinners will be brought back to you.

Save me from the guilt of shedding blood,
O God, the god of my salvation,
And I will extol your righteousness.
Part my lips, O Master Jehovah,
That my mouth may sing your praises.
You do not crave a sacrifice,
Or else I would have brought you one --
Burnt offerings give you no delight.
The sacrifice pleasing to God
Is a bowed and broken spirit,
And you will not reject, O God,
A heart that is humbled and contrite.

At your pleasure, may you favor Zion
And so build up the walls of Jerusalem.
Then you will take delight in sacrifices
Properly made, in the burnt offerings
And the whole burnt offerings when young bulls
Will be sacrificed upon your altar.