Psalm 51
A Prayer for Restoration
For the choir director. A psalm of David, when the prophet Nathan came to him after he had gone to Bathsheba.51:0 2Sm 12:1
1Be gracious to me, God,
according to your faithful love;
according to your abundant compassion,
2Completely wash away my guilt
3For I am conscious of my rebellion,
4Against you — you alone — I have sinned
and done this evil in your sight.51:4 Ps 41:4
So you are right when you pass sentence;
you are blameless when you judge.51:4 Rm 3:4
5Indeed, I was guilty when I was born;
I was sinful when my mother conceived me.51:5 Jb 15:14; Ps 58:3; Rm 5:12–13
6Surely you desire integrity in the inner self,
7Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
8Let me hear joy and gladness;
9Turn your face away51:9 Lit Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my guilt.51:9 Jr 16:17
10God, create a clean heart for me
11Do not banish me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.51:11 2Kg 13:23; Is 63:10–11; Jr 7:15
12Restore the joy of your salvation to me,
and sustain me by giving me a willing spirit.51:12 Ps 13:5
13Then I will teach the rebellious your ways,
God of my salvation —
15Lord, open my lips,
16You do not want a sacrifice, or I would give it;
17The sacrifice pleasing to God is51:17 Lit The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit.
You will not despise a broken and humbled heart, God.51:17 Ps 34:18
18In your good pleasure, cause Zion to prosper;
19Then you will delight in righteous sacrifices,
whole burnt offerings;
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