“Be merciful to me, O God, because of your constant love. Because of your great mercy wipe away my sins! I recognize my wrongs, I am conscious of my sins. I have sinned against you- only against you- and done what you consider evil. So you are wright for judging me; you are justified in condemning me. I have been evil from the day I was born; from the time I was conceived , I have been sinful. Sincerity and truth is what you require; fill my mind with your wisdom. Remove my sin, and I will be clean; wash me , and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear the sounds of joy and gladness; and though you crushed me and broken me, I will be happy once again. Close your eyes to my sins and wipe out all of my evil.
Create a pure heart in me, O God, and put a new and loyal spirit in me. Do not banish me from your presence; do not take your Holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy that comes with your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach sinners to obey your commands, and they will turn back to you. Spare my life, O God, and save me, and I will gladly proclaim your righteousness. Help me speak , Lord,and I will praise you. You do not want sacrifices, or I would offer them; you are not pleased with burnt offerings. My sacrifice is a humble spirit, O God; you will not reject a humble and repentant heart. O God, be kind to Zion and help her; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will be pleased with proper sacrifices and with our burnt offerings; and bulls will be sacrificed on your altar.”
