[1] Be merciful to me, O God, because of your constant love. Because of your great mercy wipe away my sins! [2] Wash away all my evil and make me clean from my sin! [3] I recognize my faults; I am always conscious of my sins. [4] I have sinned against you-only against you- and done what you consider evil. So you are right in judging me; you are justified in condemning me. [5] I have been evil from the day I was born; from the time I was conceived, I have been sinful. [6] Sincerity and truth are what you require; fill my mind with your wisdom. [7] Remove my sin, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. [8] Let me hear the sounds of joy and gladness; and though you have crushed me and broken me, I will be happy once again. [9] Close your eyes to my sins and wipe out all my evil. [10] Create a pure heart in me, O God, and put a new and loyal spirit in me. [11] Do not banish me from your presence; do not take your holy spirit away from me. [12] Give me again the joy that comes from your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. [13] Then I will teach sinners your commands, and they will turn back to you. [14] Spare my life, O God, and save me, and I will gladly proclaim your righteousness. [15] Help me to speak, Lord, and I will praise you. [16] You do not want sacrifices, or I would offer them; you are not pleased with burnt offerings. [17] My sacrifice is a humble spirit, O God; you will not reject a humble and repentant heart. [18] O God, be kind to Zion and help her; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. [19] Then you will be pleased with proper sacrifices and with our burnt offerings; and bulls will be sacrificed on your altar.
