[51:1] Be merciful to me, O God, because of your constant love. Because of your great mercy wipe away my sins!
[51:2] Wash away all my evil and make me clean from my sin!
[51:3] I recognize my faults; I am always conscious of my sins.
[51:4] I have sinned against you—only against you— and done what you consider evil. So you are right in judging me; you are justified in condemning me.
[51:5] I have been evil from the day I was born; from the time I was conceived, I have been sinful.
[51:6] Sincerity and truth are what you require; fill my mind with your wisdom.
[51:7] Remove my sin, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
[51:8] Let me hear the sounds of joy and gladness; and though you have crushed me and broken me, I will be happy once again.
[51:9] Close your eyes to my sins and wipe out all my evil.
[51:10] Create a pure heart in me, O God, and put a new and loyal spirit in me.
[51:11] Do not banish me from your presence; do not take your holy spirit away from me.
[51:12] Give me again the joy that comes from your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.
[51:13] Then I will teach sinners your commands, and they will turn back to you.
[51:14] Spare my life, O God, and save me, and I will gladly proclaim your righteousness.
[51:15] Help me to speak, Lord, and I will praise you.
[51:16] You do not want sacrifices, or I would offer them; you are not pleased with burnt offerings.
[51:17] My sacrifice is a humble spirit, O God; you will not reject a humble and repentant heart.
[51:18] O God, be kind to Zion and help her; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
[51:19] Then you will be pleased with proper sacrifices and with our burnt offerings; and bulls will be sacrificed on your altar.