Classic Poem

Have mercy on me, O my God!
In loving-kindness hear my prayer;
Withdraw the terror of thy rod;
Lord! in thy tender mercy, spare.

Offences rise where'er I look;
But I confess their guilt to Thee:
Blot my transgressions from thy book,
Cleanse me from mine iniquity.

Whither from vengeance can I run?
Just are thy judgments, Lord, and right:
For all the evil I have done,
I did it only in thy sight.

Shapen in frailty, born in sin,
From error how shall I depart?
Lo, thou requirest truth within;
Lord! write thy truth upon my heart.

Me through the blood of sprinkling make
Pure from defilement, white as snow;
Heal me for my Redeemer's sake;
Then joy and gladness I shall know.

A perfect heart in me create,
Renew my soul in innocence;
Cast not the suppliant from thy gate,
Nor take thine Holy Spirit hence.

Thy consolations, as of old,
Now to my troubled mind restore;
By thy free Spirit's might uphold
And guide my steps, to fall no more.

Then sinners will I teach thy ways,
And rebels to thy sceptre bring;
— Open my lips, O God! in praise,
So shall my mouth thy goodness sing.

Not streaming blood, nor purging fire,
Thy righteous anger can appease;
Burnt-offerings thou dost not require,
Or gladly I would render these.

The broken heart in sacrifice,
Alone may thine acceptance meet;
My heart, O God! do not despise,
Broken and contrite, at thy feet.