A poem on Psalm 51.
O Lord, have Mercy on my soul.
My heart is Torn; it takes its toll.
Against You only have I Sinned, —
my Faults, my Shame, in me they’re pinned.
Wash me Clean, and make me New
from every Stain—my spirit, too.
Create in me a Heart that’s Pure, —
a Steadfast spirit to Endure.
Do not cast me from Your Sight,
nor take Your Holy Spirit’s Light.
Restore to me the Joy I knew, —
when in Your Love my soul was true.
You do not want a sacrifice
but Broken hearts and Humble cries.
A Contrite spirit, bent and low,
is all I bring—it’s all I know.
My Sin is ever close to me,
yet still Your Grace will set me Free.
Teach me to Teach, to Guide the blind,
and show Your Mercy, just and kind.
Then will I Sing, and sinners Turn,
to see Your Love and for it yearn.
O God, be Merciful and near,
and let Your Light cast out all fear.
The Lutheran Column 