Psalm 51 Prayer of Repentance
This is Psalm 51, often referred to as the “Miserere” or the “Prayer of Repentance.” It is one of the most profound penitential psalms in the Bible, attributed to King David after his sin with Bathsheba. The psalm is a heartfelt plea for God’s mercy and forgiveness, expressing deep sorrow for sin and a sincere desire for purification and renewal. It acknowledges the gravity of sin, its personal and relational nature, and a longing to be restored in God’s presence and grace.
Psalm 51 also calls upon God to create a “pure heart” and a “steadfast spirit” within the sinner, showing a deep yearning not only for forgiveness but for transformation. It emphasizes that true sacrifice to God is not merely offering material gifts but having a broken, contrite heart. Christians across generations have used this psalm in prayer to express sorrow, seek God’s mercy, and affirm His power to cleanse, restore, and renew. This is a timeless prayer of repentance and hope in God’s unconditional love and compassion.
Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness.
In your compassion blot out my offense.
O wash me more and more from my guilt
and cleanse me from my sin.
My offenses truly I know them;
my sin is always before me.
Against you, you alone, have I sinned;
what is evil in your sight I have done.
That you may be justified when you give sentence
and be without reproach when you judge.
O see, in guilt was I born,
a sinner was I conceived.
Indeed you love truth in the heart;
then in the secret of my heart teach me wisdom.
O purify me, then I shall be clean;
O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow.
Make me hear rejoicing and gladness,
that the bones you have crushed may revive.
From my sins turn away your face
and blot out all my guilt.
A pure heart create for me, O God,
put a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence,
nor deprive me of your Holy Spirit.
Give me again the joy of your help;
with a spirit of ferver sustain me,
that I may teach transgressors your ways
and sinners may return to you.
O rescue me, God, my helper,
and my tongue shall ring out your goodness.
O Lord, open my lips
and my mouth shall declare your praise.
For in sacrifice you take no delight,
burnt offering from me you would refuse,
my sacrifice, a contrite spirit.
A humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn.
In your goodness, show favor to Zion:
rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Then you will be pleased with lawful sacrifice,
holocausts offered on your altar.
Amen.
