[1] God, be merciful to me because of your faithful love. Because of your great compassion, erase all the wrongs I have done. [2] Scrub away my guilt. Wash me clean from my sin. [3] I know I have done wrong. I remember that sin all the time. [4] I did what you said is wrong. You are the one I have sinned against. I say this so that people will know that I am wrong and you are right. What you decided is fair. [5] I was born to do wrong, a sinner before I left my mother's womb. [6] You want me to be completely loyal, so put true wisdom deep inside of me. [7] Remove my sin and make me pure. Wash me until I am whiter than snow! [8] Let me hear sounds of joy and happiness again. Let the bones you crushed be happy again. [9] Don't look at my sins. Erase them all. [10] God, create a pure heart in me, and make my spirit strong again. [11] Don't push me away or take your Holy Spirit from me. [12] Your help made me so happy. Give me that joy again. Make my spirit strong and ready to obey you. [13] I will teach the guilty how you want them to live, and the sinners will come back to you. [14] God, spare me from the punishment of death. My God, you are the one who saves me! Let me sing about all the good things you do for me! [15] My Lord, I will open my mouth and sing your praises! [16] You don't really want sacrifices, or I would give them to you. [17] The sacrifice that God wants is a humble spirit. God, you will not turn away someone who comes with a humble heart and is willing to obey you. [18] God, please be good to Zion. Rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. [19] Then you can enjoy the kind of sacrifices you want. You will receive whole burnt offerings, and people will again offer bulls on your altar.
