To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.
Prayer For Mercy and Cleansing

1Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of your tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

2Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

3For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

4Against you, you only, have I sinned, and done this evil in your sight: that you might be justified when you speak, and be blameless when you judge.

5Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.

6Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part you shall make me to know wisdom.

7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

8Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which you have broken may rejoice.

9Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.

10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

11Cast me not away from your presence; and take not your holy Spirit from me.

12Restore unto me the joy of your salvation; and uphold me with your free spirit.

13Then will I teach transgressors your ways; and sinners shall be converted unto you.

14Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

15O Lord, open my lips; and my mouth shall show forth your praise.

16For you desire not sacrifice; else would I give it: you delight not in burnt offering.

17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

18Do good in your good pleasure unto Zion: build you the walls of Jerusalem.

19Then shall you be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon your altar.