1Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: According to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin.
Confession of Sin
3For I know my transgressions ; And my sin is ever before me . 4Against thee , thee only , have I sinned , And done that which is evil in thy sight; That thou mayest be justified when thou speakest, And be clear when thou judgest. 5Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity; And in sin did my mother conceive me . 6Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts; And in the hidden part thou wilt make me to know wisdom.
Desire for Cleansing and Renewal
7Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8Make me to hear joy and gladness, That the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. 9Hide thy face from my sins , And blot out all mine iniquities. 10Create in me a clean heart , O God; And renew a right spirit within me .
Restoration and Joy
11Cast me not away from thy presence ; And take not thy holy Spirit from me . 12Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; And uphold me with a willing spirit .
A Commitment to Teach and Praise
13Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; And sinners shall be converted unto thee . 14Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation ; And my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. 15O Lord, open thou my lips; And my mouth shall show forth thy praise. 16For thou delightest not in sacrifice; else would I give it : Thou hast no pleasure in burnt-offering. 17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: A broken and a contrite heart , O God, thou wilt not despise. 18Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: Build thou the walls of Jerusalem. 19Then wilt thou delight in the sacrifices of righteousness, In burnt-offering and whole burnt-offering: Then will they offer bullocks upon thine altar.