Psalm 50 (51)

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 was I 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 your face away 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.

Be bountiful, O Lord, to Sion, in your kindness

by rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem;

Then shall you be pleased with due sacrifices, burnt offerings and holocausts;

then shall they offer up bullocks on your altar.