kyrie eleison

Have mercy on me, O God,

according to your unfailing love;

according to your great compassion

blot out my transgressions.

Wash away all my iniquity

and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my transgressions,

and my sin is always before me.

Against you, you only, have I sinned

and done what is evil in your sight,

so that you are proved right when you speak

and justified when you judge.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,

and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;

a broken and contrite heart,

O God, you will not despise.

from Psalm 51, New International Version