Have mercy on me, o God, according to Your lovingkindness,
according to the abundance of Your great mercy wipe away my evil.
Wash me thoroughly from my transgression and cleanse me from my sin.
Lo, You desire truth in the most inner being,
and in the hidden You make wisdom known to me,

reaching to the bottom of my soul.
Purge my iniquities, and I will be clean,
wash me, and I will be made whiter than snow.
Let me hear the sounds of joy and gladness,
and the bones you have crushed shall rejoice.
Create a pure heart in me, o God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your countenance,
and the Spirit of Your Holiness do not take away from me.
Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.

(Psalm 51:1-2, 6-8, 10-12)