(A special psalm by David.)

The Joy of Forgiveness

1 Our Lord, you bless everyone

whose sins you forgive

and wipe away.

2You bless them by saying,

“You told me your sins,

without trying to hide them,

and now I forgive you.”

3Before I confessed my sins,

my bones felt limp,

and I groaned all day long.

4Night and day your hand

weighed heavily on me,

and my strength was gone

as in the summer heat.

5So I confessed my sins

and told them all to you.

I said, “I'll tell the Lord

each one of my sins.”

Then you forgave me

and took away my guilt.

6We worship you, Lord,

and we should always pray

whenever we find out

that we have sinned.+

Then we won't be swept away

by a raging flood.

7You are my hiding place!

You protect me from trouble,

and you put songs in my heart

because you have saved me.

8You said to me,

“I will point out the road

that you should follow.

I will be your teacher

and watch over you.

9Don't be stupid

like horses and mules

that must be led with ropes

to make them obey.”

10All kinds of troubles

will strike the wicked,

but your kindness shields those

who trust you, Lord.

11And so your good people

should celebrate and shout.