Psalm 51, for Ash Wednesday

A responsive rendering of Psalm 51, intended for use on Ash Wednesday and designed to weave together the individual and the corporate so that it heightens the tension for the worshiper. Feel free to use it; if you do, please send me some feedback on how well it worked for you in your setting.

PSALM 51

Congregation Reader

Have mercy on me, O God,

according to your steadfast love;

in your great mercy blot out my offenses.

Wash me thoroughly from my wickedness;

cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my transgressions;

my sin is ever before me.

Against you, and you alone, have I sinned,

and done what is evil in your sight;

you are justified in your sentence

and blameless in your judgment.

Indeed, I was born guilty,

a sinner from my mother's womb.

You desire truth in my inmost being;

teach me wisdom deep within my heart.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;

wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Let me hear joy and gladness;

let the bones that you have crushed rejoice.

Hide your face from my sins,

and blot out all my wickedness.

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from your presence,

and take not your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation,

and sustain me with your generous Spirit.

Then will I teach offenders your ways,

and sinners will return to you.

Deliver me from bloodshed,

O God of my salvation,

and my tongue will sing of your deliverance.

O Lord, open my lips,

and my mouth will declare your praise.

For you require no sacrifice;

if I gave a burnt offering, you would not be pleased.

My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;

a heart that is broken and crushed, O God,

you will not despise.

Do good to Zion in your good pleasure;

rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Then you will accept the offerings of fellowship,

sacrifice burnt and whole;

then shall they offer up bulls on your altar.