Psalm 51:1-18
1Have mercy on me, O God, according to your
loving-kindness; *
in your great compassion blot out my offenses.
2Wash me through and through from my wickedness *
and cleanse me from my sin.
3For I know my transgressions, *
and my sin is ever before me.
4Against you only have I sinned *
and done what is evil in your sight.
5And so you are justified when you speak *
and upright in your judgment.
6Indeed, I have been wicked from my birth, *
a sinner from my mother’s womb.
7For behold, you look for truth deep within me, *
and will make me understand wisdom secretly
8Purge me from my sin, and I shall be pure; *
wash me, and I shall be clean indeed.
9Make me hear of joy and gladness, *
that the body you have broken may rejoice.
10Hide your face from my sins *
and blot out all my iniquities.
11Create in me a clean heart, O God, *
and renew a right spirit within me.
12Cast me not away from your presence *
and take not your holy Spirit from me.
13Give me the joy of your saving help again *
and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.
14I shall teach your ways to the wicked, *
and sinners shall return to you.
15Deliver me from death, O God, *
and my tongue shall sing of your righteousness,
O God of my salvation.
16Open my lips, O Lord, *
and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
17Had you desired it, I would have offered sacrifice, *
but you take no delight in burnt-offerings.
18The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit; *
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
A Collect for Peace
O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Image Credit: The Burning of Sodom (formerly “The Destruction of Sodom”), 1843 and 1857, Camille Corot
Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Open Access Collection – https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/435967
