Psalms 51

For the music director; a psalm of David, written when Nathan the prophet confronted him after David’s affair with Bathsheba.

51:1 Have mercy on me, O God, because of your loyal love!

Because of your great compassion, wipe away my rebellious acts!

51:2 Wash away my wrongdoing!

Cleanse me of my sin!

51:3 For I am aware of my rebellious acts;

I am forever conscious of my sin.

51:4 Against you – you above all – I have sinned;

I have done what is evil in your sight.

So you are just when you confront me;

you are right when you condemn me.

51:5 Look, I was guilty of sin from birth,

a sinner the moment my mother conceived me.

51:6 Look, you desire integrity in the inner man;

you want me to possess wisdom.

51:7 Sprinkle me with water and I will be pure;

wash me and I will be whiter than snow.

51:8 Grant me the ultimate joy of being forgiven!

May the bones you crushed rejoice!

51:9 Hide your face from my sins!

Wipe away all my guilt!

51:10 Create for me a pure heart, O God!

Renew a resolute spirit within me!

51:11 Do not reject me!

Do not take your Holy Spirit away from me!

51:12 Let me again experience the joy of your deliverance!

Sustain me by giving me the desire to obey!

51:13 Then I will teach rebels your merciful ways,

and sinners will turn to you.

51:14 Rescue me from the guilt of murder, O God, the God who delivers me!

Then my tongue will shout for joy because of your deliverance.

51:15 O Lord, give me the words!

Then my mouth will praise you.

51:16 Certainly you do not want a sacrifice, or else I would offer it;

you do not desire a burnt sacrifice.

51:17 The sacrifices God desires are a humble spirit –

O God, a humble and repentant heart you will not reject.

51:18 Because you favor Zion, do what is good for her!

Fortify the walls of Jerusalem!

51:19 Then you will accept the proper sacrifices, burnt sacrifices and whole offerings;

then bulls will be sacrificed on your altar.