Song · Healing

Create in Me a Clean Heart

Open hands hold a luminous heart washed by flowing water, with broken chains below and a cross in the dawn light.

Psalm 51:10–12; Romans 7:24–25; Romans 8:1–2; Philippians 1:6

Summary

A prayer of repentance and renewal, moving from the struggle with sin to mercy, freedom in Jesus, and confidence that God will complete His work.

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I knew the good, yet turned away,
And chose the dark instead of day.
What promised life soon forged my chains;
I fell, repented, fell again.

I hated what I chose to do,
Yet still the secret hunger grew.
Each step I took led farther down,
Till sin had bound me fast in chains.

[Verse 2]
I swore this time would be the last,
Yet back into the dark I passed.
I longed for light, yet chose the night;
I knew the truth, but lost the fight.

The good I wanted slipped away;
The sin I hated held its sway.
Who will deliver me from sin?
O God, create new life within.

[Chorus]
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
Renew my spirit deep within.
Restore the joy that I have lost;
Wash me and make me whole again.

The work You started, You’ll complete;
Your faithful hands will see it through.
Create in me a clean heart, O God—
A heart made whole and true to You.

[Verse 3]
No more excuses, no disguise;
You see the sin I hide inside.
Against You, Lord, I chose my way;
Have mercy, wash my guilt away.

Cleanse every stain and make me new;
Let truth take root and lead me through.
Restore Your joy in me again;
Renew a steadfast heart within.

[Bridge]
Who will deliver me from death?
Thank God—through Jesus, I find rest.
No condemnation now remains;
Your Spirit breaks sin’s cruel chains.

You give me strength to walk in light,
Renew my mind, restore my sight.
The work You started, You’ll complete;
In You, my hope and freedom meet.

[Verse 4]
You raise me from the place I fell,
And heal the wounds I hid so well.
You turn my eyes toward Your truth,
And give me strength to walk with You.

Now I will tell the bound and shamed:
There still is mercy in Your name.
No chain is stronger than Your grace;
No heart too lost for Your embrace.

[Final Chorus]
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
Renew my spirit deep within.
Restore the joy that I have lost;
Wash me and make me whole again.

The work You started, You’ll complete;
Your faithful hands will see it through.
Create in me a clean heart, O God—
A heart made whole and true to You.

[Short Outro]
Create in us clean hearts, O God;
Turn every captive to Your truth.
The work You started, You’ll complete;
In You, our hope and freedom meet.

[End — no repeats]

Original lyrics © 2026 Tony WestA Scripture Songbook™ work