6  A Song of Penitence

1    Have mercy on me, O God, in your great goodness;  ♦

according to the abundance of your compassion

blot out my offences.

2    Wash me thoroughly from my wickedness  ♦

and cleanse me from my sin.

3    For I acknowledge my faults  ♦

and my sin is ever before me.

4    Against you only have I sinned  ♦

and done what is evil in your sight,

5    So that you are justified in your sentence  ♦

and righteous in your judgement.

6    Cast me not away from your presence  ♦

and take not your holy spirit from me.

7    Give me again the joy of your salvation  ♦

and sustain me with your gracious spirit;

8    Then shall I teach your ways to the wicked  ♦

and sinners shall return to you.

9    Deliver me from my guilt, O God,

the God of my salvation,  ♦

and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness.

Psalm 51.1-5,12-15

All   Glory to the Father and to the Son

and to the Holy Spirit;

as it was in the beginning is now

and shall be for ever. Amen.

Common Worship: Daily Prayer, material from which is included here,
is copyright © The Archbishops' Council 2005 and published by Church House Publishing.