תהילים נא

For the leader. A psalm of David,

when Nathan the prophet came to him after he had come to Bathsheba.

Have mercy upon me, O God,
as befits Your faithfulness;
in keeping with Your abundant compassion,
blot out my transgressions.

Wash me thoroughly of my iniquity,
and purify me of my sin;

for I recognize my transgressions,
and am ever conscious of my sin.

Against You alone have I sinned,
and done what is evil in Your sight;
so You are just in Your sentence,
and right in Your judgment.

Indeed I was born with iniquity;
with sin my mother conceived me.

Indeed You desire truth about that which is hidden;
teach me wisdom about secret things.

Purge me with hyssop till I am pure;
wash me till I am whiter than snow.

Let me hear tidings of joy and gladness;
let the bones You have crushed exult.

Hide Your face from my sins;
blot out all my iniquities.

Fashion a pure heart for me, O God;
create in me a steadfast spirit.

Do not cast me out of Your presence,
or take Your holy spirit away from me.

Let me again rejoice in Your help;
let a vigorous spirit sustain me.

I will teach transgressors Your ways,
that sinners may return to You.

Save me from bloodguilt,
O God, God, my deliverer,
that I may sing forth Your beneficence.

O my Sovereign, open my lips,
and let my mouth declare Your praise.

You do not want me to bring sacrifices;
You do not desire burnt offerings;

True sacrifice to God is a contrite spirit;
God, You will not despise
a contrite and crushed heart.

May it please You to make Zion prosper;
rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Then You will want sacrifices offered in righteousness,
burnt and whole offerings;
then bulls will be offered on Your altar.