Orthodox Apologetics

¹ Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of thy compassions blot out my transgression. ² Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. ³ For I am conscious of mine iniquity; and my sin is continually before me. ⁴ Against thee only have I sinned, and done evil before thee: that thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. ⁵ For, behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother conceive me. ⁶ For, behold, thou lovest truth: thou hast manifested to me the secret and hidden things of thy wisdom. ⁷ Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be purified: thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. ⁸ Thou shalt cause me to hear gladness and joy: the afflicted bones shall rejoice. ⁹ Turn away thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. ¹⁰ Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit in my inward parts. ¹¹ Cast me not away from thy presence; and remove not thy holy Spirit from me. ¹² Restore to me the joy of thy salvation: establish me with thy directing Spirit. ¹³ Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and ungodly men shall turn to thee. ¹⁴ Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation: and my tongue shall joyfully declare thy righteousness. ¹⁵ O Lord, thou shalt open my lips; and my mouth shall declare thy praise. ¹⁶ For if thou desiredst sacrifice, I would have given it: thou wilt not take pleasure in whole-burnt-offerings. ¹⁷ Sacrifice to God is a broken spirit: a broken and humbled heart God will not despise. ¹⁸ Do good, O Lord, to Sion in thy good pleasure; and let the walls of Jerusalem be built. ¹⁹ Then shalt thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, offering, and whole-burnt-sacrifices: then shall they offer calves upon thine altar.