Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy. And according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my iniquity. Wash me yet more from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my iniquity, and my sin is always before me. To Thee only have I sinned, and have done evil before Thee: that Thou mayst be justified in Thy words, and mayst overcome when Thou art judged. For behold I was conceived in iniquities; and in sins did my mother conceive me. For behold Thou hast loved truth: the uncertain and hidden things of Thy wisdom Thou hast made manifest to me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be cleansed; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. To my hearing Thou shalt give joy and gladness: and the bones that have been humbled shall rejoice. Turn away Thy face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create a clean heart in me, O God: and renew a right spirit within my bowels. Cast me not away from Thy face; and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and strengthen me with a perfect spirit. I will teach the unjust Thy ways; and the wicked shall be converted to Thee. Deliver me from blood, O God, Thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall extol Thy justice. O Lord, Thou wilt open my lips: and my mouth shall declare Thy praise. For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I would indeed have given it: with burnt offerings Thou wilt not be delighted. A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit: a contrite and humbled heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise. Deal favourably, O Lord, in Thy good will with Sion; that the walls of Jerusalem may be built up. Then shalt Thou accept the sacrifice of justice, oblations and whole burnt offerings: then shall they lay calves upon Thine Altar.
Glory be the the Father…
Additional details regarding Psalm 50 (the Fourth Penitential Psalm)
Psalm 50, also known as the Fourth Penitential Psalm, is a prayer of repentance and confession that is commonly used in the Catholic Church. The psalm is attributed to King David and is believed to have been written after his affair with Bathsheba.
The Fourth Penitential Psalm is a sobering reminder of human sinfulness and the need for repentance and reconciliation with God. The psalmist acknowledges his own guilt and asks for forgiveness, but also affirms God’s mercy and willingness to forgive.
Over time, Psalm 50 became part of the Catholic tradition, and it is often used during the season of Lent as a way of reflecting on one’s sins and seeking spiritual renewal. The Fourth Penitential Psalm is also sometimes used during the Sacrament of Reconciliation, when Catholics confess their sins to a priest and seek absolution from God.
In addition to its use as a prayer of penance, Psalm 50 is a reminder of God’s justice and the importance of a contrite heart. The psalmist acknowledges that external sacrifices are not enough to please God, but that a humble and contrite heart is required.
Overall, Psalm 50 is a powerful prayer that continues to be an important part of the Catholic tradition, reminding believers of the need for repentance, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal. The psalm meditates on the mercy of God and acknowledges the need for a contrite heart in the face of sin.