Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt and purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion, and it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned, and I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just. I was born a sinner, from the moment my mother conceived me, yet you desire honesty from the very beginning, teaching me wisdom even there.

Purify me from my sins and I will be clean. Wash me and I will be whiter than snow. Give me back my joy again, for you have broken me, and now let me rejoice. Do not keep looking at my sins, and remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and do not take your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you. Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves, and I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness. Unseal my lips, O Lord, so that my mouth may praise you.

You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit, and you will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Look with favor on Zion and help her, and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will be pleased with sacrifices offered in the right spirit, with burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings, and bulls will again be sacrificed on your altar.