[1] Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. [2] Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. [3] For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. [4] Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just. [5] For I was born a sinner- yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. [6] But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there. [7] Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. [8] Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me- now let me rejoice. [9] Don't keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. [10] Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. [11] Do not banish me from your presence, and don't take your Holy Spirit from me. [12] Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. [13] Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you. [14] Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves; then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness. [15] Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you. [16] You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. [17] The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. [18] Look with favor on Zion and help her; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. [19] Then you will be pleased with sacrifices offered in the right spirit- with burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings. Then bulls will again be sacrificed on your altar.
