[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, and I can't forget my sin. [4] You are the only one I have sinned against; I have done what you say is wrong. You are right when you speak and fair when you judge. [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 and wipe out all my guilt. [10] Create in me a pure heart, God, and make my spirit right again. [11] Do not send me away from you or take your Holy Spirit away from me. [12] Give me back the joy of your salvation. 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 of my salvation, and I will sing about your goodness. [15] Lord, let me speak so I may praise you. [16] You are not pleased by sacrifices, or I would give them. You don't want burnt offerings. [17] The sacrifice God wants is a broken spirit. God, you will not reject a heart that is broken and sorry for 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.
