Psalm 51

1For the leader. A psalm of David,

2when Nathan the prophet came to him after he had come to Bathsheba.a

3Have mercy upon me, O God,as befits Your faithfulness;in keeping with Your abundant compassion,blot out my transgressions.

4Wash me thoroughly of my iniquity,and purify me of my sin;

5for I recognize my transgressions,and am ever conscious of my sin.

6Against You alone have I sinned,and done what is evil in Your sight;so You are just in Your sentence,and right in Your judgment.

7Indeed I was born with iniquity;with sin my mother conceived me.

8bIndeed You desire truth about that which is hidden;teach me wisdom about secret things.

9Purge me with hyssop till I am pure;wash me till I am whiter than snow.

10Let me hear tidings of joy and gladness;let the bones You have crushed exult.

11Hide Your face from my sins;blot out all my iniquities.

12Fashion a pure heart for me, O God;create in me a steadfast spirit.

13Do not cast me out of Your presence,or take Your holy spirit away from me.

14Let me again rejoice in Your help;let a vigorous spirit sustain me.

15I will teach transgressors Your ways,that sinners may return to You.

16Save me from bloodguilt,O God, God, my deliverer,that I may sing forth Your beneficence.

17O Lord, open my lips,and let my mouth declare Your praise.

18You do not want me to bring sacrifices;You do not desire burnt offerings;

19True sacrifice to God is a contrite spirit;God, You will not despisea contrite and crushed heart.

20May it please You to make Zion prosper;rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

21Then You will want sacrifices offered in righteousness,burnt and whole offerings;then bulls will be offered on Your altar.