[1] You are kind, God! Please have pity on me. You are always merciful! Please wipe away my sins. [2] Wash me clean from all of my sin and guilt. [3] I know about my sins, and I cannot forget my terrible guilt. [4] You are really the one I have sinned against; I have disobeyed you and have done wrong. So it is right and fair for you to correct and punish me. [5] I have sinned and done wrong since the day I was born. [6] But you want complete honesty, so teach me true wisdom. [7] Wash me with hyssop until I am clean and whiter than snow. [8] Let me be happy and joyful! You crushed my bones, now let them celebrate. [9] Turn your eyes from my sin and cover my guilt. [10] Create pure thoughts in me and make me faithful again. [11] Don't chase me away from you or take your Holy Spirit away from me. [12] Make me as happy as you did when you saved me; make me want to obey! [13] I will teach sinners your Law, and they will return to you. [14] Keep me from any deadly sin. Only you can save me! Then I will shout and sing about your power to save. [15] Help me to speak, and I will praise you, Lord. [16] Offerings and sacrifices are not what you want. [17] The way to please you is to feel sorrow deep in our hearts. This is the kind of sacrifice you won't refuse. [18] Please be willing, Lord, to help the city of Zion and to rebuild its walls. [19] Then you will be pleased with the proper sacrifices, and we will offer bulls on your altar once again.
