Create In Me

A clean heart create for me, God;
renew within me a steadfast spirit.
Do not drive me from before your face,
nor take from me your holy spirit.
Restore to me the gladness of your salvation;
uphold me with a willing spirit.

Psalm 51: 12-14

 Create in me a heart made clean,
 a place swept bare by desert winds,
 where nothing but the truth is seen
 and glaring sun can bleach my sins.

Give me that strength of spirit, Lord,
 to stand yet steadfast in the sun
 and feel the heat upon me poured,
 and still to stand, and not to run.
  
 I cannot make myself at all—
 Lord, make yourself a place in me.
 Let it be clean, though poor and small:
You said the clean of heart would see,
  
 and I would see you, if I might,
 and know you, though I know naught else.
 Though in the glare I lose my sight
 and in your gaze I lose myself,
  
 still make a space for you in me,
 and I shall have salvation's joys.
 Give me your eyes that I may see;
 give me your ears to hear your voice.