Page:Book of common prayer (TEC, 1979).pdf/266

 Psalm 51    Miserere mei, Deus

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving&#8209;kindness; * in your great compassion blot out my offenses.

Wash me through and through from my wickedness * and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my transgressions, * and my sin is ever before me.

Against you only have I sinned * and done what is evil in your sight.

And so you are justified when you speak * and upright in your judgment.

Indeed, I have been wicked from my birth, * a sinner from my mother’s womb.

For behold, you look for truth deep within me, * and will make me understand wisdom secretly.

Purge me from my sin, and I shall be pure; * wash me, and I shall be clean indeed.

Make me hear of joy and gladness, * that the body you have broken may rejoice.

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

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

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

Give me the joy of your saving help again * and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.