1Have mercy upon me, O God , according to thy lovingkindness : according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions . 2Wash me throughly from mine iniquity , and cleanse me from my sin .
Confession of Sin
3For I acknowledge my transgressions : and my sin is ever before me. 4Against thee, thee only, have I sinned , and done this evil in thy sight : that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest , and be clear when thou judgest . 5Behold, I was shapen in iniquity ; and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts : and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom .
Desire for Cleansing and Renewal
7Purge 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 thy free 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 shew forth thy praise . 16For thou desirest not sacrifice ; else would I give it: thou delightest not 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 shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness , with burnt offering and whole burnt offering : then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar .