GodsWord - Psalms - 51

51:1  Have pity on me, O God, in keeping with your mercy. In keeping with your unlimited compassion, wipe out my rebellious acts.

51:2  Wash me thoroughly from my guilt, and cleanse me from my sin.

51:3  I admit that I am rebellious. My sin is always in front of me.

51:4  I have sinned against you, especially you. I have done what you consider evil. So you hand down justice when you speak, and you are blameless when you judge.

51:5  Indeed, I was born guilty. I was a sinner when my mother conceived me.

51:6  Yet, you desire truth and sincerity. Deep down inside me you teach me wisdom.

51:7  Purify me from sin with hyssop, and I will be clean. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

51:8  Let me hear sounds of joy and gladness. Let the bones that you have broken dance.

51:9  Hide your face from my sins, and wipe out all that I have done wrong.

51:10  Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a faithful spirit within me.

51:11  Do not force me away from your presence, and do not take your Holy Spirit from me.

51:12  Restore the joy of your salvation to me, and provide me with a spirit of willing obedience.

51:13  Then I will teach your ways to those who are rebellious, and sinners will return to you.

51:14  Rescue me from the guilt of murder, O God, my savior. Let my tongue sing joyfully about your righteousness!

51:15  O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will tell about your praise.

51:16  You are not happy with any sacrifice. Otherwise, I would offer one to you. You are not pleased with burnt offerings.

51:17  The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful heart.

51:18  Favor Zion with your goodness. Rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

51:19  Then you will be pleased with sacrifices offered in the right spirit-- with burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings. Young bulls will be offered on your altar.