Psalm 51 - David Prayer For His Broken Heart

Psalm 51 is David’s prayer after the prophet Nathan confronted him about his sin with Bathsheba (see 2 Samuel 12). David does not excuse what he has done. He appeals to God’s mercy, confesses his sin, and asks to be cleansed.

His request reaches deeper than forgiveness alone: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10, KJV). David knows he needs God to change what is within him. He also recognizes that outward worship cannot take the place of repentance: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (verse 17).

David from a broken heart

Psalms 51:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

Psalms 51:2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

Psalms 51:3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

Psalms 51:4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

Psalms 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. 

Psalms 51:6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

Psalms 51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Psalms 51:8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.

Psalms 51:9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 

Psalms 51:11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

Psalms 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

Psalms 51:13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

Psalms 51:14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.

Psalms 51:15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

Psalms 51:16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 

Psalms 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Psalms 51:18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.

Psalms 51:19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

Personal application: When the Lord exposes sin in my life, I can come to Him honestly. I can confess what I have done, seek His mercy, and ask Him to renew my heart and guide me in obedience.

Closing prayer: Father, have mercy on me according to Thy lovingkindness. Show me where I need to repent. Cleanse my heart, renew a right spirit within me, and help me walk in truth before Thee. In Jesus’ name, amen.