1. . 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, oh, cleanse me from my sin.

2. . My transgressions I confess;
Grief and guilt my soul oppress;
I have sinned against thy grace
And provoked thee to thy face;
I confess thy judgment just;
Speechless, I thy mercy trust.

3. . I am wretched, born in sin;
Thou desirest truth within;
Thou alone my Savior art;
Teach thy wisdom to my heart;
Make me pure, thy grace bestow,
Wash me whiter than the snow.

4. . Broken, humbled to the dust,
By thy wrath and judgment just,
Let my contrite heart rejoice
And in gladness hear thy voice;
From my sins, O hide thy face;
Blot them out in boundless grace.

5. . Gracious God, my heart renew,
Make my spirit right and true
Cast me not away from thee,
Let thy Spirit dwell in me;
Thy salvation’s joy impart;
Steadfast make my willing heart.

6. . Sinners then shall learn from me
And return, O God, to thee;
Savior, all my guilt remove,
And my tongue shall sing thy love;
Touch my silent lips, O Lord,
And my mouth shall praise accord.

7. . Not the formal sacrifice
Hath acceptance in thine eyes;
Broken hearts are in thy sight,
More than sacrificial rite;
Contrite spirit, pleading cries,
Thou, O God, will not despise.

8. . Prosper Zion in thy grace
And her broken walls replace;
Then our righteous sacrifice
Shall delight thy holy eyes;
Free-will offerings, gladly made,
On thy altar shall be made.