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Seeking Forgiveness
Psalm 51:1-4,10-11,15-17
Depiction of the Throne of Mercy before which repentant sinners await forgiveness (by unknown 15th century artist) |
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
Against you, you alone, have I sinned,
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are justified in your sentence
and blameless when you pass judgement...
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and put a new and right spirit within me,
Do not cast me away from your presence,
and do not take your holy spirit from me.
O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
For you have no delight in sacrifice;
if I were to give a burnt-offering, you would not be pleased.
The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
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