For the director of music: a psalm of David,

when the prophet Nathan approached him

after David committed adultery with Bathsheba.

Have mercy on me, O God,

according to Your mercy.

According to Your abundant compassion

wipe away my transgressions.

Thoroughly wash away all my iniquity

and cleanse me from my sin.

I know my sin and iniquity is always in front of me.

I have sinned against You, and You alone,

and I’ve done what is evil in Your sight.

You are justified when You pass sentence

and blameless when You judge.

Behold, I was conceived and born

in guilt and sin.

Surely You desire truth to the core,

make me understand wisdom inwardly.

If You cleanse me with hyssop, I will be clean.

If You wash me, I will be whiter than snow.

Make my ears hear joy and gladness

so the bones You have crushed will feel joy.

Look away from my sins

and wipe away all my mistakes.

Oh God, create a clean heart in me

and restore in me a steadfast spirit.

Don’t turn me away from Your presence

or take Your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore the joy of Your salvation to me

and preserve me with a willing spirit.

Then I will teach the rebellious Your ways

so that they may return to You.

Save me from the guilt of shedding blood, O God

– God of my salvation.

Then my tongue will joyfully sing

of Your righteousness.

Oh Lord, open my lips,

so my mouth can declare Your praise.

You don’t want sacrifice – or I would give it –

nor are You pleased with burnt offerings.

What God wants for sacrifice is a broken spirit.

God will not despise a broken and contrite heart.

May it please You to make Zion prosper.

Build up Jerusalem‘s walls.

Then You will delight in sacrifices that are righteous

as well as whole burnt offerings.

Then bulls will be offered up on Your altar.