For the choir director. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.

1Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness;
         According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions.

2Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity
         And cleanse me from my sin.

3For I know my transgressions,
         And my sin is ever before me.

4Against You, You only, I have sinned
         And done what is evil in Your sight,
         So that You are justified when You speak
         And blameless when You judge.

5Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
         And in sin my mother conceived me.

6Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being,
         And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom.

7Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
         Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

8Make me to hear joy and gladness,
         Let the bones which You have broken rejoice.

9Hide Your face from my sins
         And blot out all my iniquities.

10Create in me a clean heart, O God,
         And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11Do not cast me away from Your presence
         And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

12Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
         And sustain me with a willing spirit.

13Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
         And sinners will be converted to You.

14Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation;
         Then my tongue will joyfully sing of Your righteousness.

15O Lord, open my lips,
         That my mouth may declare Your praise.

16For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it;
         You are not pleased with burnt offering.

17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
         A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.

18By Your favor do good to Zion;
         Build the walls of Jerusalem.

19Then You will delight in righteous sacrifices,
         In burnt offering and whole burnt offering;
         Then young bulls will be offered on Your altar.

NASB ©1995