One of my favourite hymns is
Psalm 50 (51), chanted during the Sunday Matins and read during the Weekday
Matins in the Orthodox Church. This hymn is rich in theology, anthropology, of
communion with God. It highlights the relationship we should and could have
with God. It shows that through communion with Him, through the Church of
course, we are able to reach our goal in life, i.e. salvation, theosis,
sainthood. By following this hymn we can truly become the children of God.
Have mercy on me, O God, in accordance
with your great mercy. According to the multitude of your compassion blot out
my offence. Wash me thoroughly from my wickedness, and cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my wickedness, and my sin is ever before me. Against you
alone I have sinned and done what is evil in your sight, that you may be
justified in your words and win when you are judged. For see, in wickedness I
was conceived and in sin my mother bore me. For see, you have loved truth; you
have shown me the hidden and secret things of your wisdom. You will sprinkle me
with hyssop and I shall be cleansed. You will wash me and I shall be made
whiter than snow. You will make me hear of joy and gladness; the bones which
have been humbled will rejoice. Turn away your face from my sins and blot out
all my iniquities. Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a right Spirit
within me. Do not cast me out from your presence, and do not take your Holy
Spirit from me. Give me back the joy of your salvation, and establish me with
your sovereign Spirit. I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will
turn to you again. O God, the God of my salvation, deliver me from bloodshed
and my tongue will rejoice at your justice. Lord, you will open my lips, and my
mouth will proclaim your praise. For if you had wanted a sacrifice, I would
have given it. You will not take pleasure in burnt offerings. A sacrifice to
God is a broken spirit; a broken and a humbled heart God will not despise. Do
good to Sion, Lord, in your good pleasure; and let the walls of Jerusalem be
rebuilt. Then you will be well pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness,
oblation and whole burnt offerings. Then they will offer calves upon your
altar.
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