Psalm 51 - Prayer of Repentance
“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.”
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David's heartfelt confession after his sin with Bathsheba. This psalm teaches us that God desires a broken and contrite heart, and that He can create in us a clean heart and renewed spirit when we truly repent.