Read the Bible

¹ You are kind, God!
    Please have pity on me.
    You are always merciful!
    Please wipe away my sins.
² Wash me clean from all
    of my sin and guilt.
³ I know about my sins,
    and I cannot forget
    my terrible guilt.
⁴ You are really the one
    I have sinned against;
    I have disobeyed you
    and have done wrong.
So it is right and fair for you
    to correct and punish me.

⁵ I have sinned and done wrong
    since the day I was born.
⁶ But you want complete honesty,
    so teach me true wisdom.
⁷ Wash me with hyssop^[a]
    until I am clean
    and whiter than snow.
⁸ Let me be happy and joyful!
    You crushed my bones,
    now let them celebrate.
⁹ Turn your eyes from my sin
    and cover my guilt.
¹⁰ Create pure thoughts in me
    and make me faithful again.
¹¹ Don't chase me away from you
    or take your Holy Spirit
    away from me.

¹² Make me as happy as you did
when you saved me;
    make me want to obey!
¹³ I will teach sinners your Law,
    and they will return to you.
¹⁴ Keep me from any deadly sin.
    Only you can save me!
    Then I will shout and sing
    about your power to save.

¹⁵ Help me to speak,
    and I will praise you, Lord.
¹⁶     Offerings and sacrifices
    are not what you want.
¹⁷ The way to please you
    is to feel sorrow
    deep in our hearts.
This is the kind of sacrifice
    you won't refuse.

¹⁸ Please be willing, Lord,
to help the city of Zion
    and to rebuild its walls.
¹⁹ Then you will be pleased
    with the proper sacrifices,
    and we will offer bulls
    on your altar once again.