Be Merciful to Me, O God; based on Psalm 51

Music: Elizabeth Raymond Barker (1829-1916)
Text: Christian Leithart, 2015
1. 1 Be merciful to me, O God
According to Your love.
2 With water blot out all my sins
And cleanse me from above.
2. 3 For I must daily face my sins.
4 They lie before Your sight,
So You are blameless when You judge,
Your words are true and right.
3. 5 In sin my mother gave me life,
In darkness I was made.
6 My hidden parts You will teach truth,
With wisdom them persuade.
4. 7 With hyssop purge me, launder me;
I will be white as snow.
8 With joy and gladness comfort me;
The bones You break shall grow.
5. 10 Create in me a heart renewed,
My spirit steadfast make.
11 O cast me not away from You,
Your presence do not take.
6. 12 Restore to me salvation’s joy.
Uphold me, gracious Lord.
13 Transgressors I will teach Your ways
Till sinners are restored.
7. 14 Deliver me from guilt, O God,
Forget my bloody days.
My lips shall sing Your righteousness,
15 My mouth show forth Your praise.
8. 16 Will sacrifices give You joy?
Burnt off’rings bring delight?
17 Your off’rings are a broken heart,
A spirit made contrite.
9. 18 Do good in Your good pleasure, Lord.
Rebuild Your city’s wall.
19 Then bulls and sacrifices burnt:
You will accept them all.