Psalm 51

Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God

(2 Samuel 12:1–12)

1For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. When Nathan the prophet came to him after his adultery with Bathsheba.

Have mercy on me,a O God,

according to Your loving devotion;

according to Your great compassion,

blot out my transgressions.

2Wash me clean of my iniquity

and cleanse me from my sin.

3For I know my transgressions,

and my sin is always before me.

4Against You, You only, have I sinned

and done what is evil in Your sight,

so that You may be proved right when You speak

and blameless when You judge.b

5Surely I was brought forth in iniquity;

I was sinful when my mother conceived me.

6Surely You desire truth in the inmost being;

You teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

7Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean;

wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8Let me hear joy and gladness;

let the bones You have crushed rejoice.

9Hide Your face from my sins

and blot out all my iniquities.

10Create in me a clean heart, O God,

and renew a right spirit within me.

11Cast me not away from Your presence;

take not Your Holy Spirit from me.

12Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,

and sustain me with a willing spirit.

13Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,

and sinners will return to You.

14Deliver me from bloodguilt, O God,

the God of my salvation,

and my tongue will sing of Your righteousness.

15O Lord, open my lips,

and my mouth will declare Your praise.

16For You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;

You take no pleasure in burnt offerings.

17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;

a broken and a contrite heart,

O God, You will not despise.

18In Your good pleasure, cause Zion to prosper;

build up the walls of Jerusalem.

19Then You will delight in righteous sacrifices,

in whole burnt offerings;

then bulls will be offered on Your altar.