1 When Nathan the prophet came to him, after he had gone in to Bath-sheba.>

1 Have pity on me, O God, in your mercy; out of a full heart, take away my sin.

2 Let all my wrongdoing be washed away, and make me clean from evil.

3 For I am conscious of my error; my sin is ever before me.

4 Against you, you only, have I done wrong, working that which is evil in your eyes; so that your words may be seen to be right, and you may be clear when you are judging.

5 Truly, I was formed in evil, and in sin did my mother give me birth.

6 Your desire is for what is true in the inner parts: in the secrets of my soul you will give me knowledge of wisdom.

7 Make me free from sin with hyssop: let me be washed whiter than snow.

8 Make me full of joy and rapture; so that the bones which have been broken may be glad.

9 Let your face be turned from my wrongdoing, and take away all my sins.

10 Make a clean heart in me, O God; give me a right spirit again.

11 Do not put me away from before you, or take your holy spirit from me.

12 Give me back the joy of your salvation; let a free spirit be my support.

13 Then will I make your ways clear to wrongdoers; and sinners will be turned to you.

14 Be my saviour from violent death, O God, the God of my salvation; and my tongue will give praise to your righteousness.

15 O Lord, let my lips be open, so that my mouth may make clear your praise.

16 You have no desire for an offering or I would give it; you have no delight in burned offerings.

17 The offerings of God are a broken spirit; a broken and sorrowing heart, O God, you will not put from you.

18 Do good to Zion in your good pleasure, building up the walls of Jerusalem.