The Presbyterian Hymnal: Hymns, Psalms, and Spiritual Songs

196

Psalm 51

Refrain:
    The sacrifice You accept, O God, is a humble spirit.

1.  Have mercy on me, O God, in Your kindness;
    in Your compassion blot out my offense.
    O wash me more and more from my guilt
    and cleanse me from my sin.
2.  My offenses, truly I know them;
    my sin is always before me.
    Against You, You alone, have I sinned;
    what is evil in Your sight I have done.
    (Refrain)

3.  That You may be justified when You give sentence
    and be without reproach when You judge,
    O see, in guilt I was born,
    a sinner was I conceived.
4.  Indeed, You love truth in the heart;
    then in the secret of my heart teach me wisdom.
    O purify me, then I shall be clean;
    O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow.
    (Refrain)

5.  Make me hear rejoicing and gladness,
    that the bones You have crushed may thrill.
    From my sins turn away Your face
    and blot out all my guilt.
6.  A pure heart create for me, O God,
    put a steadfast spirit within me.
    Do not cast me away from Your presence,
    nor deprive me of Your holy spirit.
    (Refrain)

7.  Give me again the joy of Your help;
    with a spirit of fervor sustain me,
    that I may teach transgressors Your ways
    and sinners may return to You.
8.  O rescue me, God, my helper,
    and my tongue shall ring out Your goodness.
    O Lord, open my lips
    and my mouth shall declare Your praise.
    (Refrain)

9.  For in sacrifice You take no delight,
    burnt offering from me You would refuse;
    my sacrifice, a contrite spirit,
    A humbled, contrite heart You will not spurn.
10. In Your goodness, show favor to Zion:
    rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
    Then You will be pleased with lawful sacrifice (burnt offerings
    wholly consumed),
    then You will be offered young bulls on Your altar.
    (Refrain)

WORDS: The GrailDavid Clark Isele, 1979
Scripture: Psalm 51
Theme: Psalms