For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David, when Nathan the prophet came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, God, according to your loving kindness. According to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions

The Psalm

Psalms. Chapter 51. For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David, when Nathan the prophet came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, God, according to your loving kindness. According to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity. Cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions. My sin is constantly before me. Against you, and you only, I have sinned, and done that which is evil in your sight, so you may be proved right when you speak, and justified when you judge. Behold, I was born in iniquity. My mother conceived me in sin. Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts. You teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness, that the bones which you have broken may rejoice. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all of my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. Don’t throw me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation. Uphold me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways. Sinners will be converted to you. Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, the God of my salvation. My tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness. Lord, open my lips. My mouth will declare your praise. For you don’t delight in sacrifice, or else I would give it. You have no pleasure in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. O God, you will not despise a broken and contrite heart. Do well in your good pleasure to Zion. Build the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will delight in the sacrifices of righteousness, in burnt offerings and in whole burnt offerings. Then they will offer bulls on your altar.

Worship Lyrics

For the Chief Musician
A Psalm by David, when Nathan the prophet came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba
Have mercy on me, God, according to your loving kindness
According to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity
Cleanse me from my sin
For I know my transgressions
My sin is constantly before me
Against you
And you only, I have sinned
Done that which is evil in your sight, so you may be proved right when you speak
And
And justified when you judge
Behold, I was born in iniquity
My mother conceived me in sin
Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts
You teach me wisdom in the inmost place
Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean
Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow
Let me hear joy and gladness, that the bones which you have broken may rejoice
Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all of my iniquities
Create in me a clean heart, O God
Renew a right spirit within me
Dont throw me from your presence, and dont take your Holy Spirit from me
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
Uphold me with a willing spirit
Then I will teach transgressors your ways
Sinners will be converted to you
Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, the God of my salvation
My tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness
Lord, open my lips
My mouth will declare your praise
For you dont delight in sacrifice, or else I would give it
You have no pleasure in burnt offering
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit
O God, you will not despise a broken and contrite heart
Do well in your good pleasure to Zion
Build the walls of Jerusalem
Then you will delight in the sacrifices of righteousness
In burnt offerings and in whole burnt offerings
Then they will offer bulls on your altar

About This Psalm

Psalm 51 is a praise psalm that speaks to the heart of worship and devotion. This ancient song continues to inspire modern believers in their faith journey.

Key Themes: praise, deliverance, righteousness, mercy

Reflection

This psalm invites us to:

• Meditate on God's word and character
• Apply biblical truth to our daily lives
• Express our hearts in worship and prayer

Music & Worship

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Discussion Questions

1. What does this psalm teach us about God's character?
2. How can we apply the message of Psalm 51 to our lives today?
3. What verse or phrase stands out most to you, and why?

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