Psalms of Repentance

Psalm 32

Happy the one whose offense is forgiven, whose sin is remitted. Happy the one to whom the Lord imputes no guilt, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

While I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For your hand was heavy upon me day and night, my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.

I acknowledged my offense to you, my guilt I did not hide. I said, “I will confess my sins to the Lord.” And you took away the guilt of my sin.

Therefore let all the faithful pray to you in time of trouble; when great floodwaters rise, they shall not reach them. You are a place to hide me from trouble; you surround me with deliverance.

I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will guide you with my eye. Do not be like the horse or the mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you.

Many are the torments of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

Psalm 51

Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness. In your compassion blot out my offense. O wash me more and more from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, nor deprive me of your holy spirit.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways and sinners shall return to you.

Deliver me from bloodshed, O God, my saving God, and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness.

O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.

For you do not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you take no pleasure in burnt offering.

The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Be gracious to Zion in your good pleasure; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Then you will delight in right sacrifices, burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on your altar.