office funeral_laity.doc

The censer, holy water, and aspergillum (Krupilla), and a small cup of earth should be at ready near the coffin, before the service begins. The Coffin is in the middle of the Church, the feet of the deceased facing altar. A cross should be placed in the hands of the deceased, a shroud is often placed over the body, but not covering the hands and head as of yet. A paper band with the Trisagion is placed on the forehead.

While the priest secretly says the prayer, though according to the practice of many, this prayer is not done at all, until the final litany, when it is done out loud:

Note: The translation used is primarily that of Fr. Lawrence of Jordanville, and Isabel Hapgood. All the psalms are from The Psalter According to the Seventy, Copyright Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, used by permission. Some other material, such as prayers and hymns, are also Copyright HTM, used by permission. All rights reserved. These works may not be further reproduced, beyond printing out a single copy for personal non-commercial use, without the prior written authorization of Holy Transfiguration Monastery.

Tone 5 [Troparion Melody]: Give rest, O our Savior, with the righteous unto Thy servant / and settle him (her) in Thy courts, according as it is written, / disregarding, as Thou art good, his (her) transgressions, voluntary and involuntary,/ and all he (she) committed either knowingly or unknowingly, // O lover of mankind.

The Priest in phelonion, opens the Royal Doors, and he exits first, with the deacon following. The priest stands before an analogion, which is placed in front of the head of the coffin, with sufficient space between it and the coffin for censing. The deacon stands behind, and to the right of the priest, until the first litany.

The censing is done as at the previous litany.

Priest: Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, blot out our sins. O Master, pardon our iniquities. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name's sake.

While the priest secretly says the prayer:

Choir: Amen. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Lord have mercy. Thrice.

The censing is done as at the previous litany.

Reader: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

While the priest secretly says the prayer: O God of spirits and of all flesh, Who hast trampled down death, and overthrown the devil, and given life to Thy world: Do Thou Thyself, O Lord, give rest to the soul of Thy departed servant N., in a place of light, a place of green pasture, a place of repose, whence all sickness, sorrow and sighing are fled away. Pardon every sin committed by him (her) in word, deed, or thought, in that Thou art a good God, the Lover of mankind; for there is no man that liveth and sinneth not, for Thou alone art without sin, Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Thy word is truth.

Priest: For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory: of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Our Father, Who art in the Heavens, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Reader: Amen.

Lord have mercy. Twelve Times.

Deacon: Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. Thrice.

O come, let us worship God our King. O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God. O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Deacon: Again we pray for the repose of the departed servant of God, N. and that he (she) may be forgiven every transgression, both voluntary and involuntary.

Psalm 90 He that dwelleth in the help of the Most High shall abide in the shelter of the God of heaven. He shall say unto the Lord: Thou art my helper and my refuge. He is my God, and I will hope in Him. For He shall deliver thee from the snare of the hunters and from every troubling word. With His shoulders will He overshadow thee, and under His wings shalt thou have hope. With a shield will His truth encompass thee; thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night, nor for the arrow that flieth by day, Nor for the thing that walketh in darkness, nor for the mishap and demon of noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand, but unto thee shall it not come nigh. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold, and thou shalt see the reward of sinners. For Thou, O Lord, art my hope. Thou madest the Most High thy refuge; No evils shall come nigh thee, and no scourge shall draw nigh unto thy dwelling. For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. On their hands shall they bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Upon the asp and basilisk shalt thou tread, and thou shalt trample upon the lion and dragon. For he hath set his hope on Me, and I will deliver him; I will shelter him because he hath known My name. He shall cry unto Me, and I will hearken unto him. I am with him in affliction, and I will rescue him and glorify him. With length of days will I satisfy him, and I will show him My salvation.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. Thrice.

Afterwards, the Canonarch exclaimeth in a loud voice:

Deacon: That the Lord God commit his (her) soul to where the righteous repose.

Blessed art Thou, O Lord, teach me Thy statutes. Blessed are the blameless in the way. Alleluia.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. Thrice.

And the first stasis of the 17th Kathisma is chanted in the 6th Tone. At the end of each verse we sing: Alleluia. It should be noted that this is often abbreviated, and the Hapgood Service book shows how this is usually done.

Deacon: The mercy of God, the kingdom of Heaven, and the remission of his (her) sins, let us ask of Christ the Immortal King and our God.

Blessed are the blameless in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Refrain: Alleluia. Blessed are they that search out His testimonies; with their whole heart shall they seek after Him. For they that work iniquity have not walked in His ways. Thou hast enjoined Thy commandments, that we should keep them most diligently. Would that my ways were directed to keep Thy statutes. Then shall I not be ashamed, when I look on all Thy commandments. I will confess Thee with uprightness of heart, when I have learned the judgments of Thy righteousness. I will keep thy statutes; do not utterly forsake me. Wherewithal shall a young man correct his way? By keeping Thy words. With my whole heart have I sought after Thee, cast me not away from Thy commandments.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

In my heart have I hid Thy sayings that I might not sin against Thee. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, teach me Thy statutes. With my lips have I declared all the judgments of Thy mouth. In the way of Thy testimonies have I found delight, as much as in all riches. On Thy commandments will I ponder, and I will understand Thy ways. On Thy statutes will I meditate; I will not forget Thy words. Give reward unto Thy servant, quicken me and I will keep Thy words. O unveil mine eyes, and I shall perceive wondrous things out of Thy law. I am a sojourner on the earth, hide not from me Thy commandments. My soul hath longed to desire Thy judgments at all times. Thou hast rebuked the proud; cursed are they that decline from Thy commandments.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord

Remove from me reproach and contempt, for after Thy testimonies have I sought. For princes sat and they spake against me, but Thy servant pondered on Thy statutes. For Thy testimonies are my meditation, and Thy statutes are my counselors. My soul hath cleaved unto the earth; quicken me according to Thy word. My ways have I declared, and Thou hast heard me; teach me Thy statutes. Make me to understand the way of Thy statutes, and I will ponder on Thy wondrous works. My soul hath slumbered from despondency, strengthen me with Thy words. Remove from me the way of unrighteousness, and with Thy law have mercy on me. I have chosen the way of truth, and Thy judgments have I not forgotten. I have cleaved to Thy testimonies, O Lord; put me not to shame.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

The way of Thy commandments have I run, when Thou didst enlarge my heart.

Priest: For Thou art the Resurrection, and the life, and the repose of Thy departed servant N., O Christ our God, and unto Thee do we send up glory, together with Thine unoriginate Father, and Thy most holy and good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Set before me for a law, O Lord, the way of Thy statutes, and I will seek after it continually. Give me understanding, and I will search out Thy law, and I will keep it with my whole heart. Guide me in the path of Thy commandments, for I have desired it. Incline my heart unto Thy testimonies and not unto covetousness. Turn away mine eyes that I may not see vanity, quicken Thou me in Thy way. Establish for Thy servant Thine oracle unto fear of Thee. Remove my reproach which I have feared, for Thy judgments are good. Behold, I have longed after Thy commandments; in Thy righteousness quicken me. Let Thy mercy come also upon me, O Lord, even Thy salvation according to Thy word. So shall I give an answer to them that reproach me, for I have hoped in Thy words.

Choir: Amen.

And take not utterly out of my mouth the word of truth, for in Thy judgments have I hoped. So shall I keep Thy law continually, for ever, and unto the ages of ages. And I walked in spaciousness, for after Thy commandments have I sought. And I spake of Thy testimonies before kings, and I was not ashamed. And I meditated on Thy commandments which I have greatly loved. And I lifted up my hands to Thy commandments which I have loved, and I pondered on Thy statutes. Remember Thy words to Thy servant, wherein Thou hast made me to hope. This hath comforted me in my humiliation, for Thine oracle hath quickened me.

Deacon: Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.

The proud have transgressed exceedingly, but from Thy law have I not declined.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. Thrice.

I remembered Thy judgments of old, O Lord, and was comforted. Despondency took hold upon me because of the sinners who forsake Thy law. Thy statutes were my songs in the place of my sojourning. I remembered Thy name in the night, O Lord, and I kept Thy law. This hath happened unto me because I sought after Thy statutes. Thou art my portion, O Lord; I said that I would keep Thy law. I entreated Thy countenance with my whole heart: Have mercy on me according to Thy word. I have thought on Thy ways, and I have turned my feet back to Thy testimonies. I made ready, and I was not troubled, that I might keep Thy commandments.

Deacon: Again we pray for the repose of the departed servant of God, N. and that he (she) may be forgiven every transgression, both voluntary and involuntary.

The cords of sinners have entangled me, but Thy law have I not forgotten.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. Thrice.

At midnight I arose to give thanks unto Thee for the judgments of Thy righteousness. I am a partaker with all them that fear Thee, and with them that keep Thy commandments.

Deacon: That the Lord God commit his (her) soul to where the righteous repose.

The earth, O Lord, is full of Thy mercy; teach me Thy statutes.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. Thrice.

Thou hast dealt graciously with Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word. Goodness and discipline and knowledge teach Thou me, for in Thy commandments have I believed. Before I was humbled, I transgressed; therefore Thy saying have I kept. Thou art good, O Lord, and in Thy goodness teach me Thy statutes. Multiplied against me hath been the unrighteousness of the proud; but as for me, with my whole heart will I search out Thy commandments. Curdled like milk is their heart; but as for me, in Thy law have I meditated. It is good for me that Thou hast humbled me, that I might learn Thy statutes.

Deacon: The mercy of God, the kingdom of Heaven, and the remission of his (her) sins, let us ask of Christ the Immortal King and our God.

The law of Thy mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord

The deacon goes forward, makes a bow to the altar, then to the priest and holds the censer for a blessing, then censing during the litany, standing in front of, but to the right of the priest, but censing towards the coffin.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

O God of spirits and of all flesh, Who hast trampled down death, and overthrown the devil, and given life to Thy world: Do Thou Thyself, O Lord, give rest to the soul of Thy departed servant N., in a place of light, a place of green pasture, a place of repose, whence all sickness, sorrow and sighing are fled away. Pardon every sin committed by him (her) in word, deed, or thought, in that Thou art a good God, the Lover of mankind; for there is no man that liveth and sinneth not, for Thou alone art without sin, Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Thy word is truth.

Priest: For Thou art the Resurrection, and the life, and the repose of Thy departed servant N., O Christ our God, and unto Thee do we send up glory, together with Thine unoriginate Father, and Thy most holy and good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Before the exclamation, the deacon hands the censer to the priest, and he censes as he says the exclamation.

Choir: Amen.

And after this we begin the Second Stasis of the kathisma in the Fifth Tone; at the end of each verse we sing: Have mercy on Thy servant.

The Choir sings: Alleluia.

Thy hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding and I will learn Thy commandments. Refrain: Have mercy on Thy servant. They that fear Thee shall see me and be glad, for on Thy words have I set my hope. I have known, O Lord, that Thy judgments are righteousness, and with truth hast Thou humbled me. Let now Thy mercy be my comfort, according to Thy saying unto Thy servant. Let Thy compassions come upon me and I shall live, for Thy law is my meditation. Let the proud be put to shame, for unjustly have they transgressed against me; but as for me, I will ponder on Thy commandments. Let those that fear Thee return unto me, and those that know Thy testimonies. Let my heart be blameless in Thy statutes, that I may not be put to shame.

Then immediately, the choir sings the Evlogitaria of the Departed:

My soul fainteth for Thy salvation; on Thy words have I set my hope. Mine eyes are grown dim with waiting for Thine oracle; they say: When wilt Thou comfort me? For I am become like a wine-skin in the frost; yet Thy statutes have I not forgotten. How many are the days of Thy servant? When wilt Thou execute judgement for me on them that persecute me? Transgressors have told me fables, but they are not like Thy law, O Lord. All Thy commandments are truth. Without a cause have men persecuted me; do Thou help me. They well nigh made an end of me on the earth; but as for me, I forsook not Thy commandments. According to Thy mercy quicken me, and I will keep the testimonies of Thy mouth. For ever, O Lord, Thy word abideth in heaven.

The Choir of the Saints have found the Fountain of Life /

Unto generation and generation is Thy truth; Thou hast laid the foundation of the earth, and it abideth. By Thine ordinance doth the day abide, for all things are Thy servants. If Thy law had not been my meditation, then should I have perished in my humiliation. I will never forget Thy statutes, for in them hast Thou quickened me. I am Thine, save me; for after Thy statutes have I sought. Sinners have waited for me to destroy me; but Thy testimonies have I understood. Of all perfection have I seen the outcome; exceeding spacious is Thy commandment. O how I have loved Thy law, O Lord! the whole day long it is my meditation. Above mine enemies hast Thou made me wise in Thy commandment, for it is mine for ever.

Deacon: Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.

Above all that teach me have I gained understanding, for Thy testimonies are my meditation. Above mine elders have I received understanding, for after Thy commandments have I sought. From every way that is evil have I restrained my feet that I might keep Thy words. From Thy judgments have I not declined, for Thou hast set a law for me. How sweet to my palate are Thy sayings! more sweet than honey to my mouth. From Thy commandments have I gained understanding; therefore have I hated every way of unrighteousness. Thy law is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my paths. I have sworn and resolved that I will keep the judgments of Thy righteousness. I was humbled exceedingly; O Lord, quicken me according to Thy word.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. Thrice.

The free-will offerings of my mouth be Thou now pleased to receive, O Lord, and teach me Thy judgments. My soul is in Thy hands continually, and Thy law have I not forgotten. Sinners have set a snare for me, yet from Thy commandment have I not strayed. I have inherited Thy testimonies for ever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart. I have inclined my heart to perform Thy statutes for ever for a recompense. Transgressors have I hated, but Thy law have I loved. My helper and my protector art Thou; on Thy words have I set my hope. Depart from me, ye evil-doers, and I will search out the commandments of my God. Uphold me according to Thy saying and quicken me, and turn me not away in shame from mine expectation.

Deacon: Again we pray for the repose of the departed servant of God, N. and that he (she) may be forgiven every transgression, both voluntary and involuntary.

Help me, and I shall be saved; and I will meditate on Thy statutes continually. Thou hast set at nought all that depart from Thy statutes, for unrighteous is their inward thought. I have reckoned as transgressors all the sinners of the earth, therefore have I loved Thy testimonies. Nail down my flesh with the fear of Thee, for of Thy judgments am I afraid. I have wrought judgment and righteousness; O give me not up to them that wrong me. Receive Thy servant unto good, let not the proud falsely accuse me. Mine eyes have failed with waiting for Thy salvation, and for the word of Thy righteousness. Deal with Thy servant according to Thy mercy, and teach me Thy statutes. I am Thy servant; give me understanding, and I shall know Thy testimonies.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. Thrice.

It is time for the Lord to act; for they have dispersed Thy law. Therefore have I loved Thy commandments more than gold and topaz. Therefore I directed myself according to all Thy commandments; every way that is unrighteous have I hated. Wonderful are Thy testimonies; therefore hath my soul searched them out.

Deacon: That the Lord God commit his (her) soul to where the righteous repose.

The unfolding of Thy words will give light and understanding unto babes.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. Thrice.

I opened my mouth and drew in my breath, for I longed for Thy commandments. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Deacon: The mercy of God, the kingdom of Heaven, and the remission of his (her) sins, let us ask of Christ the Immortal King and our God.

O God of spirits and of all flesh, Who hast trampled down death, and overthrown the devil, and given life to Thy world: Do Thou Thyself, O Lord, give rest to the soul of Thy departed servant N., in a place of light, a place of green pasture, a place of repose, whence all sickness, sorrow and sighing are fled away. Pardon every sin committed by him (her) in word, deed, or thought, in that Thou art a good God, the Lover of mankind; for there is no man that liveth and sinneth not, for Thou alone art without sin, Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Thy word is truth.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

And we begin the Third Stasis of the Kathisma in the 3rd Tone:

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord

Look upon me and have mercy on me, according to the judgment of them that love Thy name. Refrain: Alleluia. My steps do Thou direct according to Thy saying, and let no iniquity have dominion over me. Deliver me from the false accusation of men, and I will keep Thy commandments. Make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant, and teach me Thy statutes. Mine eyes have poured forth streams of waters, because I kept not Thy law. Righteous art Thou, O Lord, and upright are Thy judgments. Thou hast ordained as Thy testimonies exceeding righteousness and truth. My zeal for Thee hath made me to pine away, because mine enemies have forgotten Thy words. Thine oracle is tried with fire to the uttermost, and Thy servant hath loved it.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

I am young and accounted as nothing, yet Thy statutes have I not forgotten. Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Thy law is truth. Tribulations and necessities have found me, Thy commandments are my meditation. Thy testimonies are righteousness for ever; give me understanding and I shall live. I have cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord, and I will seek after Thy statutes. I have cried unto Thee; save me, and I will keep Thy testimonies. I arose in the dead of night and I cried; on Thy words have I set my hope. Mine eyes woke before the morning that I might meditate on Thy sayings. Hear my voice, O Lord, according to Thy mercy; according to Thy judgment, quicken me. They have drawn nigh that lawlessly persecute me, but from Thy law are they far removed.

Priest: For Thou art the Resurrection, and the life, and the repose of Thy departed servant N., O Christ our God, and unto Thee do we send up glory, together with Thine unoriginate Father, and Thy most holy and good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Near art Thou, O Lord, and all Thy ways are truth. From the beginning I have known from Thy testimonies that Thou hast founded them for ever. Behold my humiliation and rescue me, for Thy law have I not forgotten. Judge my cause and redeem me; for Thy word's sake quicken me. Far from sinners is salvation, for they have not sought after Thy statutes. Thy compassions are many, O Lord; according to Thy judgment quicken me. Many are they that persecute me and afflict me; from Thy testimonies have I not declined. I beheld men acting foolishly and I pined away, because they kept not Thy sayings. Behold, how I have loved Thy commandments; O Lord, in Thy mercy, quicken me. The beginning of Thy words is truth, and all the judgments of Thy righteousness endure for ever.

Choir: Amen.

Princes have persecuted me without a cause, and because of Thy words my heart hath been afraid. I will rejoice in Thy sayings as one that findeth great spoil. Unrighteousness have I hated and abhorred, but Thy law have I loved. Seven times a day have I praised Thee for the judgments of Thy righteousness. Much peace have they that love Thy law, and for them there is no stumbling-block. I awaited Thy salvation, O Lord, and Thy commandments have I loved. My soul hath kept Thy testimonies and hath loved them exceedingly. I have kept Thy commandments and Thy testimonies, for all my ways are before Thee, O Lord. Let my supplication draw nigh before Thee, O Lord; according to Thine oracle give me understanding.

Let my petition come before Thee, O Lord; according to Thine oracle deliver me. My lips shall pour forth a hymn when Thou hast taught me Thy statutes. My tongue shall speak of Thy sayings, for all Thy commandments are righteousness. Let Thy hand be for saving me, for I have chosen Thy commandments. I have longed for Thy salvation, O Lord, and Thy law is my meditation. My soul shall live and shall praise Thee, and Thy judgments will help me. I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost; O seek Thy servant, for I have not forgotten Thy commandments.

A full censing is done, the priest censing, and the deacon preceding him with a candle, as at Matins.

Refrain: Blessed art Thou, O Lord; / teach me Thy statutes.

and the Door of Paradise. / May I also find the way through repentance. / I am the lost sheep, call me back, O Savior, // and save me.

Refrain: Blessed art Thou, O Lord; / teach me Thy statutes.

Ye that have preached the Lamb of God, / and like lambs were slain, O holy ones, / translated unto life unaging and everlasting, / fervently entreat Him, O ye martyrs, // to grant us forgiveness of our sins.

Refrain: Blessed art Thou, O Lord; / teach me Thy statutes. Ye that have trod the narrow way of sorrow; / all ye that in life have taken up the Cross as a yoke, / and have followed Me in faith, / come, enjoy the honors and heavenly crowns // which I have prepared for you.

Refrain: Blessed art Thou, O Lord; / teach me Thy statutes.

I am an image of Thine ineffable glory, / though I bear the wounds of sin; / take compassion on Thy creature, O Master, / and cleanse me by Thy loving-kindness; / and grant me the desired fatherland, // making me again a dweller of paradise.

Refrain: Blessed art Thou, O Lord; / teach me Thy statutes.

O Thou Who of old didst create me out of nothing, / and didst honor me with Thine image divine, / but because of my transgression of Thy commandment / didst return me again unto the earth, from which I was taken: / Raise me up according to Thy likeness, // that I may be fashioned in the former beauty.

Refrain: Blessed art Thou, O Lord; / teach me Thy statutes.

Give rest, O God, to Thy servant; / and commit him (her) to paradise, / where the choirs of the saints, O Lord, / and the righteous shine as the stars; / give rest unto Thy departed servant, // disregarding all his (her) sins.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Triadicon: The triple radiance of the one Godhead let us piously hymn, / crying aloud: Holy art Thou, O unoriginate Father, / co-unoriginate Son, and Divine Spirit; / enlighten us who with faith worship thee // and snatch us from the fire eternal. Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Rejoice, O thou pure one, / who gavest birth to God in the flesh for the salvation of all, / and through whom mankind hath found salvation; / through thee may we find paradise, // O Theotokos, pure and blessed.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God. Thrice.

Sessional Hymns

Glory And all he (she) committed either knowingly or unknowingly, // O lover of mankind.

Both now O Christ our God who from a Virgin hast shone forth upon the world, / and through her hast made us sons of light, // have mercy on us.

Psalm 50 Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise. For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased. A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded. Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.