Psalms 51

A Prayer for Forgiveness

For the director of music. A song of David when the prophet Nathan came to David after David’s sin with Bathsheba.

1God, be merciful to me

because you are loving.

Because you are always ready to be merciful,

wipe out all my wrongs.

2Wash away all my guilt

and make me clean again.

3I know about my wrongs.

I can’t forget my sin.

4You are the one I have sinned against.

I have done what you say is wrong.

So you are right when you speak.

You are fair when you judge me.

5I was brought into this world in sin.

In sin my mother gave birth to me.

6You want me to be completely truthful.

So teach me wisdom.

7Take away my sin, and I will be clean.

Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8Make me hear sounds of joy and gladness.

Let the bones you crushed be happy again.

9Turn your face from my sins.

Wipe out all my guilt.

10Create in me a pure heart, God.

Make my spirit right again.

11Do not send me away from you.

Do not take your Holy Spirit away from me.

12Give me back the joy that comes when you save me.

Keep me strong by giving me a willing spirit.

13Then I will teach your ways to those who do wrong.

And sinners will turn back to you.

14God, save me from the guilt of murder.

God, you are the one who saves me.

I will sing about your goodness.

15Lord, let me speak

so I may praise you.

16You are not pleased by sacrifices.

Otherwise, I would give them.

You don’t want burnt offerings.

17The sacrifice God wants is a willing spirit.

God, you will not reject

a heart that is broken and sorry for its sin.

18Do whatever good you wish for Jerusalem.

Rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

19Then you will be pleased with right sacrifices and whole burnt offerings.

And bulls will be offered on your altar.

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Psalms 51: ICB

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