[1] God, be merciful to me because you are loving. Because you are always ready to be merciful, wipe out all my wrongs. [2] Wash away all my guilt and make me clean again. [3] I know about my wrongs. I can't forget my sin. [4] You are the one I have sinned against. I have done what you say is wrong. So you are right when you speak. You are fair when you judge me. [5] I was brought into this world in sin. In sin my mother gave birth to me. [6] You want me to be completely truthful. So teach me wisdom. [7] Take away my sin, and I will be clean. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. [8] Make me hear sounds of joy and gladness. Let the bones you crushed be happy again. [9] Turn your face from my sins. Wipe out all my guilt. [10] Create in me a pure heart, God. Make my spirit right again. [11] Do not send me away from you. Do not take your Holy Spirit away from me. [12] Give me back the joy that comes when you save me. Keep me strong by giving me a willing spirit. [13] Then I will teach your ways to those who do wrong. And sinners will turn back to you. [14] God, save me from the guilt of murder. God, you are the one who saves me. I will sing about your goodness. [15] Lord, let me speak so I may praise you. [16] You are not pleased by sacrifices. Otherwise, I would give them. You don't want burnt offerings. [17] The sacrifice God wants is a willing spirit. God, you will not reject a heart that is broken and sorry for its sin. [18] Do whatever good you wish for Jerusalem. Rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. [19] Then you will be pleased with right sacrifices and whole burnt offerings. And bulls will be offered on your altar.
