*“Have mercy on me, O God in Your goodness, *
*in Your great tenderness, wipe away my faults; *
wash me clean of my guilt,
purify me from my sin.
*For I am well aware of my faults, *
*I have my sin constantly in mind, *
*having sinned against none other than You, *
*having done what You regard as wrong.
- *You are just when You pass sentence on me, *
*blameless when You give judgement. *
*You know I was born guilty, *
a sinner from the moment of conception.
*Yet since You love sincerity of heart, *
*teach me the secrets of wisdom. *
*Purify me with hyssop until I am clean; *
wash me until I am whiter than snow.
*Instil some joy and gladness into me, *
*let the bones You have rushed rejoice again. *
*Hide Your face from me sins, *
wipe out all my guilt.
*Be my saviour again, renew my joy, *
*keep my spirit steady and willing; *
*and I shall teach transgressors the way to You, *
and sinners will return.
*Save me from death, God my saviour, *
*and my tongue will acclaim Your righteousness; *
*Lord, open my lips, *
and my mouth will speak out Your praise.
*Sacrifice gives You no pleasure, *
*were I to offer holocaust, You would not have it. *
*My sacrifice is this broken spirit, *
You will not scorn this crushed and broken heart.” (Psalm 51)