Confession
(Psalm 51)
According to Thy loving kindness and Thy multitude of mercies,
Wash me from iniquity and cleanse my longing heart within;
I acknowledge my transgressions, they are ever here before me,
Gracious God, against Thee only is this evil, is this sin.
Fill my heart with truth and wisdom; make me to hear joy and gladness;
Cleanse me now, with hyssop purge me; wash me whiter than the snow.
Make in me a new, a clean heart; a right spirit put within me.
Let the joy of Thy salvation freely through my being flow.
I shall teach transgressors of Thee, sinners then shall be converted;
Open Thou my lips, dear Father, that they may tell forth Thy ways.
From bloodguiltiness deliver, O Thou God of my salvation,
And my tongue shall sing forever songs of worship, songs of praise.
Should burnt-offerings delight Thee, these, O Lord, then would I offer,
And give sacrifice before Thee, were it pleasant in Thine Eyes;
The sacrifice that Thou desirest is a truly broken spirit,
A broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou never wilt despise.
By Barbara C. Ryberg