HAVE MERCY ON ME

Rescue me, O God,

cleanse me from my sin.

Have mercy, Lord,

cleanse me from all my sins.

A contrite heart, O God,

you will not spurn.

Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness.

In your compassion blot out my offence.

O wash me more and more from my guilt

and cleanse me from my sin.

My offences truly I know them;

my sin is always before me.

Against you, you alone, have I sinned;

what is evil in your sight I have done.

That you may be justified

when you give sentence

and be without reproach when you judge,

O see, in guilt I was born,

a sinner was I conceived.

Indeed you love truth in the heart;

then in the secret of my heart teach me wisdom.

O purify me, then I shall be clean;

O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow.

Make me hear rejoicing and gladness,

that the bones you have crushed may thrill.

From my sins turn away your face

and blot out all my guilt.

A pure heart create for me, O God,

put a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me away from your presence,

nor deprive me of your holy Spirit.

Give me again the joy of your help;

with a spirit of fervour sustain me,

that I may teach transgressors your ways

And sinners may return to you.

O rescue me, God, my helper,

And my tongue shall ring out your goodness.

O Lord, open my lips and my mouth

shall declare your praise.

For in sacrifice you take no delight,

burnt offering from me you would refuse;

my sacrifice, a contrite spirit.

A humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn.