God, be merciful to me,
On Thy grace I rest my plea;
Plenteous in compassion Thou,
Blot out my transgressions now;
Wash me, make me pure within,
Cleanse, O cleanse me from my sin.
Gracious God, my heart renew;
make my spirit right and true.
In your presence let met stay;
by your Spirit show the way.
Your salvation's joy impart,
steadfast make my willing heart.
So shall sinners be restored
and return to you, their Lord;
Savior, all my guilt remove,
and my tongue shall sing your love;
touch my silent lips, O Lord,
and my mouth shall praise accord.
Not the formal sacrifice
has acceptance in your eyes;
broken hearts are in your sight
more than sacrificial rite;
contrite spirit, pleading cries,
you, O God, will not despise.
Prosper Zion in your grace
and her broken walls replace:
then our righteous sacrifice
shall delight your holy eyes;
free-will offerings, gladly made,
on your altar shall be laid.
