top of page
Ottawa (Tune 239).png

Psalm 51

Ottawa

1 O my God, have mercy on me

in your steadfast love, I pray; 

In your infinite compassion 

my transgression wipe away.

2 Cleanse me from iniquity; 

wash my sin away from me. 

3 For I know my own transgression; 

I can see my sinful plight. 

4 You, you only, I've offended, 

and done evil in your sight; 

So your words are verified, 

and your verdict justified. 

5 From my birth I have been sinful - 

such the nature I received - 

sinful from my first beginning 

in my mother's womb conceived. 

6 Truth you look for in my heart; 

wisdom to me you impart. 

7 Cleanse with hyssop, purify me; 

I'll be whiteer than the snow. 

8 Let the bones you crushed be joyful

may i joy and gladness know. 

9 From my failure hide your face; 

blot out all my wickedness. 

10 Lord, create a pure heart in me, 

and a steadfast mind renew. 

11 Do not take your Spirit from me; 

cast me not away from you. 

12 Give me back the joy I had; 

Keep my willing spirit glad.  

13 Then I'll teach your ways to sinners; 

rebels will turn back to you. 

14 Free me from blood-guilt, my Saviour, 

God most merciful and true. 

Then I'll praise your righteousness; 

15 Teach my lips your name to bless. 

16 Sacrifice does not delight you

else my tribute I would bring; 

Nor do you take any pleasure

in a whole burnt offering. 

17 Contrite heart as sacrifice 

you, O God, will not despise.  

18 Let your blessing rest on Zion; 

build Jerus'lem's walls again.  

19 Sacrifices then will please you - 

bulls upon your altar slain, 

Off'rings made for your delight, 

truly righteous in your sight. 

Lyrics from 'Sing Psalms'. Copyright Free Church of Scotland.

bottom of page