Lyrics
Verse 1
David sat alone one night
His heart was full of pain
He knew that he had hurt his God
And nothing felt the same
He had sinned against the Lord
He could not hide away
He bowed his head and cried to God
Please hear me when I pray
Chorus
Have mercy on me, Lord, my God
According to your love
Please wash away my sinful heart
And cleanse me from above
I know the wrong that I have done
My sin is always there
I cannot hide from you, my God
Please listen to my prayer
Bridge
Create in me a clean heart, oh God
And renew a right spirit in me
Please don't cast me away, Lord
Don't take your spirit from me
Restore to me the joy of salvation
Hold me with your loving hand
I have sinned, Lord, please forgive me
I need you to help me stand
Verse 2
David did not blame someone else
He confessed his sin to God
He knew that he had broken trust
And his heart was deeply hurt
Lord, you want a humble heart
A heart that is true and clean
Please don't reject me in my pain
Let your mercy cover me
Chorus
Lord, I cannot change my past
But I can turn to you
My heart is broken, I am weak
Please make me whole anew
Open my lips and I will praise
Your mercy and your grace
I will tell the world what you have done
Your love has saved me, Lord
Bridge
Create in me a clean heart, oh God
And renew a right spirit in me
Please don't cast me away, Lord
Don't take your spirit from me
Restore to me the joy of salvation
Hold me with your loving hand
I have sinned, Lord, please forgive me
I need you to help me stand
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
King David retells David's repentance from Psalm 51. The first verse pictures David alone at night, full of pain, knowing he had hurt God and sinned against the Lord, bowing his head and crying out to be heard. The chorus prays for mercy according to God's love and washing and cleansing from a sinful heart, and the bridge borrows the psalm directly: create a clean heart, renew a right spirit, do not cast me away, restore the joy of salvation.
The second verse says David did not blame others but confessed, and that God wants a humble heart. The closing chorus accepts that the past cannot be changed but can be turned over to God, promises to praise, and to tell the world what He has done. The song follows Psalm 51:1-12 and 51:15-17, with 2 Samuel 12:13 on David's confession and 1 John 1:9 on forgiveness. Its tone is penitent, and the repetition lets a congregation pray the psalm together.
Related Scripture
- Psalm 51:1-12 David prays for mercy, cleansing, a clean heart and restored joy.
- 2 Samuel 12:13 David confesses that he has sinned against the Lord.
- 1 John 1:9 God is faithful to forgive those who confess their sins.