PSALM 51

Forgive me, Lord, in your mercy;

in your great love blot out my sin.

Lighten the weight of my offense;

free my mind from its burden.

I am deeply conscious of my guilt;

my sin is almost unbearable.

My heart is breaking with remorse

and the shame of what I have done.

I know that you love the truth;

teach me to live in wholeness.

Cleanse my spirit; wash me,

and I will be whiter than snow.

Take away my guilt; wipe out

every last trace of my sin.

Return me to myself and make me

as pure as a newborn child.

Fill me with peace and gladness;

let the bones that you crushed rejoice.

Create a pure heart within me;

let my soul wake up in your light.

Open me to your presence;

flood me with your holy spirit.

Then I will stand and sing out

the power of your forgiveness.

I will teach your love to the ignorant;

the lost will find their way home.

Lord, open my lips,

and my mouth will declare your praise.