51:1
[For the choirmaster Of David When the prophet Nathan had come to him because he had gone to Bathsheba] Have mercy on me, O God, in your faithful love, in your great tenderness wipe away my offences;
51:2
wash me clean from my guilt, purify me from my sin.
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For I am well aware of my offences, my sin is constantly in mind.
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Against you, you alone, I have sinned, I have done what you see to be wrong, that you may show your saving justice when you pass sentence, and your victory may appear when you give judgement,
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remember, I was born guilty, a sinner from the moment of conception.
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But you delight in sincerity of heart, and in secret you teach me wisdom.
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Purify me with hyssop till I am clean, wash me till I am whiter than snow.
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Let me hear the sound of joy and gladness, and the bones you have crushed will dance.
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Turn away your face from my sins, and wipe away all my guilt.
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God, create in me a clean heart, renew within me a resolute spirit,
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do not thrust me away from your presence, do not take away from me your spirit of holiness.
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Give me back the joy of your salvation, sustain in me a generous spirit.
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I shall teach the wicked your paths, and sinners will return to you.
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Deliver me from bloodshed, God, God of my salvation, and my tongue will acclaim your saving justice.
51:15
Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will speak out your praise.
51:16
Sacrifice gives you no pleasure, burnt offering you do not desire.
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Sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, a broken, contrite heart you never scorn.
51:18
In your graciousness do good to Zion, rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
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Then you will delight in upright sacrifices,-burnt offerings and whole oblations -- and young bulls will be offered on your altar.
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