THE MISERERE: PRAYER OF REPENTANCE
Psalm 51:1-21
1 For the leader. A psalm of David,
2 when Nathan the prophet came to him after his affair with Bathsheba.
I
3 Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
4 Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me.
5 For I acknowledge my offense, and my sin is before me always.
6 “Against you only have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight.” I have done such evil in your sight that you are just in your sentence, blameless when you condemn.
7 True, I was born guilty, a sinner, even as my mother conceived me.
8 Behold, you are pleased with sincerity of heart, and in my inmost being you teach me wisdom.
9 Cleanse me of sin with hyssop, that I may be purified; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
10 Let me hear the sounds of joy and gladness; the bones you have crushed shall rejoice.
II
11 Turn away your face from my sins, and blot out all my guilt.
12 A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
13 Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me.
14 Give me back the joy of your salvation, and a willing spirit sustain in me.
15 I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners shall return to you.
16 Free me from blood guilt, O God, my saving God; then my tongue shall revel in your justice.
17 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
18 For you are not pleased with sacrifices; should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it.
19 My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
