1 God, be merciful to me,
on your grace I rest my plea;
your compassions overflow;
blot out my transgressions now;
2 wash me, make me pure within,
cleanse, O cleanse me from my sin.
3 My transgressions I confess,
grief and guilt my soul oppress;
4 I have sinned against your grace
and provoked you to your face;
I confess your judgment just,
speechless, in your mercy trust.
5 We’re born sinful in our ways
and guilt plagues us all our days.
6 Truth you desire in my heart;
your wisdom to me impart.
7 With hyssop purify me
then whiter than snow I’ll be.
8 Let the bones you crushed rejoice
and in gladness hear your voice;
9 From my failures hide your face;
blot them out in boundless grace.
10 Gracious God, my heart renew,
make my spirit right and true;
11 Let me not abandoned be,
let your spirit dwell in me;
12 Your salvation’s joy impart,
steadfast make my willing heart.
13 So shall sinners be restored
and return to you, their Lord;
14 Bloodthirst from my heart remove,
that my tongue may sing your love;
15 Teach my lips your name to bless
then I’ll praise your righteousness.
16 No sacrifice will delight;
nor can I make all things right.
17 Contrite hearts as sacrifice
you, O God, will not despise.
18 Prosper Zion in your grace
and its broken walls replace.
19 Then our righteous sacrifice
shall delight your holy eyes.
– Psalter, 1912, alt.
Oremus 