Miserere

Have Mercy on Me

Voicing:
Mixed Choir → SSAATTBB

Accompaniment:
Unaccompanied

Function/Language(s):
Latin

Occasion:
Proper of Time → Lenten Season → General Lenten Season
Proper of Time → Lenten Season → First Sunday of Lent → Cycle A
Proper of Time → Lenten Season → Fifth Sunday of Lent → Cycle B
Proper of Time → The Sacred Paschal Triduum → Friday of the Passion of the Lord

Publication Information:
Oxford University Press — OCCO5 (1996)
ISBN 0-19-341779-0

Manuscript Availability:
IMSLP

CPDL

Text Information:
Reference: Psalm 51

Lyrics:

English translation:
Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me.

For I acknowledge my offense, and my sin is before me always:
“Against you only have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight”—
That you may be justified in your sentence, vindicated when you condemn.
Indeed, in guilt was I born, and in sin my mother conceived me;
Behold, you are pleased with sincerity of heart,
and in my inmost being you teach me wisdom.

Cleanse me of sin with hyssop, that I may be purified;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Let me hear the sounds of joy and gladness;
the bones you have crushed shall rejoice.
Turn away your face from my sins, and blot out all my guilt.

A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from your presence, and your holy spirit take not from me.
Give me back the joy of your salvation, and a willing spirit sustain in me.

I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners shall return to you.
Free me from blood guilt, O God, my saving God;
then my tongue shall revel in your justice.
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
For you are not pleased with sacrifices; 
should I offer a holocaust, you would not accept it.
My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; 
a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.

Be bountiful, O Lord, to Zion in your kindness
by rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem;
Then shall you be pleased with due sacrifices, burnt offerings and holocausts;
then shall they offer up bullocks on your altar.

Notes: Actually SSATB/SSAB soli (or choir)
Submitted by: Brian Luckner Added: Nov 18, 2021 Last updated: Jan 16, 2022