Read the Bible

¹ God, be merciful to me
    because you are loving.
Because you are always ready to be merciful,
    wipe out all my wrongs.
² Wash away all my guilt
    and make me clean again.

³ I know about my wrongs,
    and I can't forget my sin.
⁴ You are the only one I have sinned against;
    I have done what you say is wrong.
You are right when you speak
    and fair when you judge.
⁵ I was brought into this world in sin.
    In sin my mother gave birth to me.

⁶ You want me to be completely truthful,
    so teach me wisdom.
⁷ Take away my sin, and I will be clean.
    Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
⁸ Make me hear sounds of joy and gladness;
    let the bones you crushed be happy again.
⁹ Turn your face from my sins
    and wipe out all my guilt.

¹⁰ Create in me a pure heart, God,
    and make my spirit right again.
¹¹ Do not send me away from you
    or take your Holy Spirit away from me.
¹² Give me back the joy of your salvation.
    Keep me strong by giving me a willing spirit.
¹³ Then I will teach your ways to those who do wrong,
    and sinners will turn back to you.

¹⁴ God, save me from the guilt of murder,
    God of my salvation,
    and I will sing about your goodness.
¹⁵ Lord, let me speak
    so I may praise you.
¹⁶ You are not pleased by sacrifices, or I would give them.
    You don't want burnt offerings.
¹⁷ The sacrifice God wants is a broken spirit.
    God, you will not reject a heart that is broken and sorry for sin.

¹⁸ Do whatever good you wish for Jerusalem.
    Rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
¹⁹ Then you will be pleased with right sacrifices and whole burnt offerings,
    and bulls will be offered on your altar.