Psalms of David - Modern Translation - Psalm 51

Have mercy on me, O God,
according to Your endless love.

In Your great compassion,
wash away my failures,
cleanse me from all that weighs upon my soul.

For I know the ways I have stumbled;
they are ever before me.

Against You, O Lord, I have turned away,
but You remain just and true in Your judgment.

Yet You desire truth in the depths of my heart;
teach me wisdom in the secret places of my soul.

Wash me, and I will be pure;
cleanse me, and I will shine like fresh-fallen snow.

Let me hear joy and gladness once more;
restore me, and my spirit will rejoice.

Turn Your face from my missteps,
and remove the burdens of my heart.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me from Your presence,
nor take Your guiding Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of Your love,
and sustain me with a willing heart.

Then I will teach others Your ways,
and those who have wandered will return to You.

Free me from the weight of my guilt, O God,
and my tongue will sing of Your righteousness.

O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare Your praise.

For You do not delight in empty offerings,
or I would bring them;
You are not pleased with mere ritual.

The sacrifice You desire is a humble heart,
a spirit open before You.

You will not turn away
those who seek You in sincerity and love.

In Your kindness, strengthen Your people,
restore all that is broken,
so that from hearts made whole,
true praise will rise to You.