O my God, have mercy on me in your steadfast love, I pray; in your infinite compassion my transgressions wipe away. Cleanse me from iniquity; wash my sin away from me. [Sing to the Lord 51]

2. For I know my own transgressions; I can see my sinful plight. I have sinned against you only and done evil in your sight. So your words are verified, and your verdict justified.

3. From my birth I have been sinful – such the nature I received – sinful from my first beginning in my mother’s womb conceived. Truth you look for in my heart, wisdom to me you impart.

4. Cleanse with hyssop, purify me; I’ll be whiter than the snow. Let the bones you crushed be joyful; may I joy and gladness know. From my sins, Lord, hide your face; blot out all my wickedness.

5. Lord, create a pure heart in me, and a steadfast mind renew. Do not take your Spirit from me; cast me not away from you. Give me back the joy I had; keep my willing spirit glad.

6. Then I’ll teach your ways to sinners; rebels will turn back to you. Free me from bloodguilt, my Saviour, God most merciful and true. Then I’ll praise your righteousness; teach my lips your name to bless.

7. Sacrifice does not delight you, else my tribute I would bring; nor do you take any pleasure in a whole burnt offering. Contrite heart as sacrifice you, O God, will not despise.

8. Let your blessing rest on Zion; build Jerus’lem’s walls again. Sacrifices then will please you – bulls upon your altar slain, off’rings made for your delight, truly righteous in your sight. Sing to the Lord 51 Used with permission Text: Sing Psalms, © Psalmody Committee, Free Church of Scotland, 2003, alt. Tune: Lowell Mason, 1792–1872