11. A Sinner's Confession
Psalm 51:1-13, 17
Leader reads the plain lines; the congregation reads the bold lines.
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness:
According unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions:
Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my transgressions; and my sin is ever before me.
Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight:
That thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.