Have mercy, O my God

Have mercy, O my God,
be gracious now I pray:
forgive me, for I cry aloud,
wash all my guilt away.
You alone are love—
blot out every stain:
send your mercy from above
and make me clean again.

2. Beside you there is none
whose ways are true and right;
expose my sin, for what I’ve done
is evil in your sight.
You alone are good—
let your mercy flow:
wash me, Saviour, for I would
be whiter than the snow.

3. True wisdom you impart,
and you instructed me:
you sought in me a truthful heart
but found iniquity.
You alone are love—
take away my sin:
send your mercy from above
and make me whole again.

4. O make me glad once more,
hide all my sins from view;
create in me a heart that’s pure,
fixed only, Lord, on you.
Cast me not away—
let your mercy flow:
wash me, Saviour, that I may
be whiter than the snow.

5. Let me declare your praise,
my eagerness renew,
that rebels may discern your ways
and so return to you.
You alone are love—
put your power within:
send your mercy from above
and make me strong again.

6. You want no sacrifice,
my contrite heart I bring;
my broken spirit don’t despise—
it’s all my offering.
Hear me when I call,
let your mercy flow:
wash me, Saviour, and I shall
be whiter than the snow!