Psalm 51; "Create in me a clean heart"

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Have mercy on me, God, in accord with your merciful love;
in your abundant compassion blot out my transgressions.

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Thoroughly wash away my guilt;
and from my sin cleanse me.

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For I know my transgressions;
my sin is always before me.

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Against you, you alone have I sinned;
I have done what is evil in your eyes
So that you are just in your word,
and without reproach in your judgment.

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Behold, I was born in guilt,
in sin my mother conceived me.

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Behold, you desire true sincerity;
and secretly you teach me wisdom.

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Cleanse me with hyssop,* that I may be pure;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

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You will let me hear gladness and joy;
the bones you have crushed will rejoice.

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Turn away your face from my sins;
blot out all my iniquities.

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A clean heart create for me, God;
renew within me a steadfast spirit.

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Do not drive me from before your face,
nor take from me your holy spirit.

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Restore to me the gladness of your salvation;
uphold me with a willing spirit.

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I will teach the wicked your ways,
that sinners may return to you.

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Rescue me from violent bloodshed, God, my saving God,
and my tongue will sing joyfully of your justice.

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Lord, you will open my lips;
and my mouth will proclaim your praise.

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For you do not desire sacrifice* or I would give it;
a burnt offering you would not accept.
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My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a contrite, humbled heart, O God, you will not scorn.

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*Treat Zion kindly according to your good will;
build up the walls of Jerusalem.

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Then you will desire the sacrifices of the just,
burnt offering and whole offerings;
then they will offer up young bulls on your altar.