BUT what shall we say concerning David, to whom
such testimony was borne, and of whom God said, "I have found a man
after Mine own heart, David the son of Jesse; and in everlasting mercy
have I anointed him?" Yet this very man saith to God, "Have mercy on
me, O Lord, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude
of Thy compassions, blot out my transgression. Wash me still more from
mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my iniquity,
and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned, and done
that which was evil in Thy sight; that Thou mayest be justified in Thy
sayings, and mayest overcome when Thou art judged. For, behold, I was
conceived in transgressions, and in my sins did my mother conceive me.
For, behold, Thou hast loved truth; the secret and hidden things of wisdom
hast Thou shown me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be
cleansed; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Thou shalt
make me to hear joy and gladness; my bones, which have been humbled, shall
exult. Turn away Thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation, and establish me by Thy governing
Spirit. I will teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall be converted
unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation:
my tongue shall exult in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my
mouth, and my lips shall show forth Thy praise. For if Thou hadst desired
sacrifice, I would have given it; Thou wilt not delight in burnt-offerings.
The sacrifice [acceptable] to God is a bruised spirit; a broken and a contrite
heart God will not despise."
