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¹ For the Leader. A Psalm of David;² When Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bath-sheba.³ Be gracious unto me, O God, according to Thy mercy; according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgressions.⁴ Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.⁵ For I know my transgressions; and my sin is ever before me.⁶ Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done that which is evil in Thy sight;

⁷ Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.⁸ Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts; make me, therefore, to know wisdom in mine inmost heart.⁹ Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.¹⁰ Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which Thou hast crushed may rejoice.¹¹ Hide Thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.¹² Create me a clean heart, O God; and renew a stedfast spirit within me.¹³ Cast me not away from Thy presence; and take not Thy holy spirit from me.

¹⁴ Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and let a willing spirit uphold me.¹⁵ Then will I teach transgressors Thy ways; and sinners shall return unto Thee.¹⁶ Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation; ¹⁷ O Lord, open Thou my lips; and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.¹⁸ For Thou delightest not in sacrifice, else would I give it; Thou hast no pleasure in burnt-offering.¹⁹ The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;

²⁰ Do good in Thy favour unto Zion; build Thou the walls of Jerusalem.

²¹ Then wilt Thou delight in the sacrifices of righteousness, in burnt-offering and whole offering; {P}