Psalm 51
Miserere — Have mercy
The classic prayer of repentance: cleanse, renew, and restore a willing spirit.
Excerpt
Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy great mercy. … Create a clean heart in me, O God: and renew a right spirit within my spirit. … A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit: a contrite and humbled heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Tags
- mercy
- confession
- conversion
When it helps
- before Reconciliation
- after failure
- exam of conscience
Suggested modes
Starting points for how you might pray with this psalm.
- Journal
- Lectio
- Slow read
Related saints
Saints whose stories pair well with this psalm.