I was born in shadows
I was shaped in wrong
My hands ain't clean, Lord
And my heart ain't strong
You saw the truth in me
Even when I lied
Now I'm cryin' mercy
With my soul open wide
My sin is ever before me
Can't shake it loose from my soul
Lord, won't you wash me in mercy
Make this broken man whole
Don't cast me from your presence
Don't take your Spirit away
I'm down on my knees,
I need your grace today
I know what I done, Lord
I can't look away
My guilt like thunder
Rolls through every day
You want truth in the inward part
Not just some holy show
So break me down gentle
Let your cleansing flow
My sin is ever before me
Like a shadow I can't outrun
But you're the God of compassion
The faithful, merciful One
Create in me a clean heart
Put a new spirit inside
Lift me from the ashes
And stay by my side
Open my lips and I'll sing your name
Tell the world your love heals shame
You don't want burnt offerings
Just a soul that's real
A heart crushed by sorrow
That only you can heal
My sin is ever before me
But your mercy's deeper still
Blot out my transgressions
Bend me to your will
Restore the joy of salvation
Let your song rise in me
A blues cry turned to blessing
A captive set free
“for I recognize my transgressions, and am ever conscious of my sin.”
Read Psalm 51:1-13 →Close Psalm 51:1-13 ↑
1For the leader. A psalm of David,
2when Nathan the prophet came to him after he had come to Bathsheba.
3Have mercy upon me, O God, as befits Your faithfulness; in keeping with Your abundant compassion, blot out my transgressions.
4Wash me thoroughly of my iniquity, and purify me of my sin;
5for I recognize my transgressions, and am ever conscious of my sin.
6Against You alone have I sinned, and done what is evil in Your sight; so You are just in Your sentence, and right in Your judgment.
7Indeed I was born with iniquity; with sin my mother conceived me.
8Indeed You desire truth about that which is hidden; teach me wisdom about secret things.
9Purge me with hyssop till I am pure; wash me till I am whiter than snow.
10Let me hear tidings of joy and gladness; let the bones You have crushed exult.
11Hide Your face from my sins; blot out all my iniquities.
12Fashion a pure heart for me, O God; create in me a steadfast spirit.
13Do not cast me out of Your presence, or take Your holy spirit away from me.