Psalm 51:1
“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.”
KJV
Read in Psalm 51Meaning
The prayer begins by appealing not to merit but to God’s steadfast love and abundant mercy, asking that transgressions be blotted out.
Mercy, confession, and truth before God
Psalm 51 is a penitential prayer traditionally linked by its superscription to David after Nathan confronted him. It moves from appeal to God’s steadfast love and honest confession, through cleansing and inner renewal, toward restored witness, humble worship, and concern for Zion. Repentance here neither erases harm done to others nor turns contrition into self-hatred.
Read carefully
The prayer begins by appealing not to merit but to God’s steadfast love and abundant mercy, asking that transgressions be blotted out.
Reflection
The prayer begins by appealing not to merit but to God’s steadfast love and abundant mercy, asking that transgressions be blotted out.