psalm 50 (51)
Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion
wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt
and of my sin cleanse me.
For I acknowledge my offense,
and my sin is before me always:
"Against you only have I sinned,
and done what is evil in your sight" --
That you may be justified in your sentence,
vindicated when you condemn.
Indeed, in guilt I was born,
and in sin my mother conceived me;
Behold, you are pleased with sincerity
of heart,
and in my inmost being you teach
me wisdom.
Cleanse me of sin with hyssop,
that I may be purified;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Let me hear the sounds of joy and gladness;
the bones you have crushed shall rejoice.
Turn away your face from my sins,
and blot out all my guilt.
A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from your presence,
and your holy spirit take not from me.
Give me back the joy of your salvation,
and a willing spirit sustain in me.
I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners shall return to you.
Free me from blood guilt, O God, my saving God;
then my tongue shall revel in your justice.
O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
For you are not pleased with sacrifices;
should I offer a holocaust, you would not accept it.
My sacrifice, O God,
is a contrite spirit;
a heart contrite and humbled,
O God, you will not spurn...