Chapter 51

  Have mercy on me, God, according to your lovingkindness. According to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.  

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  Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity. Cleanse me from my sin.  

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  For I know my transgressions. My sin is constantly before me.  

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  Against you, and you only, have I sinned, And done that which is evil in your sight; That you may be proved right when you speak, And justified when you judge.  

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  Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity. In sin did my mother conceive me.  

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  Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts. You teach me wisdom in the inmost place.  

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  Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.  

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  Let me hear joy and gladness, That the bones which you have broken may rejoice.  

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  Hide your face from my sins, And blot out all of my iniquities.  

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  Create in me a clean heart, God. Renew a right spirit within me.  

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  Don't throw me away from your presence. Don't take your holy Spirit from me.  

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  Restore to me the joy of your salvation. Uphold me with a willing spirit.  

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  Then I will teach transgressors your ways. Sinners shall be converted to you.  

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  Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, God, you God of my salvation. My tongue shall sing aloud of your righteousness.  

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  Lord, open my lips. My mouth shall declare your praise.  

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  For you don't delight in sacrifice, or else I would give it. You have no pleasure in burnt offering.  

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  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. A broken and contrite heart, God, you will not despise.  

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  Do well in your good pleasure to Zion. Build the walls of Jerusalem.  

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  Then will you delight in the sacrifices of righteousness, In burnt offerings and in whole burnt offerings. Then they will offer bulls on your altar. Psalm 52 For the Chief Musician. A contemplation by David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, 'David has come to Abimelech's house.'  

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