The Daily RootedHome StoriesGradesChurchesWhat's NewAbout
Bible:
Answer key (separate)‹ Back to chapter 51

Prints on letter paper in black and white. No answers are printed on the student sheet.

Psalms 51 · Grade 4

Mercy for a Sorry Heart

Name Date

Read and Think

The title of Psalm 51 calls it a Psalm by David. The title says he wrote it when Nathan the prophet came to him after David had sinned with Bathsheba. David does not make excuses. He begins, Have mercy on me, God, according to your loving kindness.

David asks God to blot out his transgressions and wash him from his iniquity. He says his sin is constantly before him. He asks God to purify him with hyssop, a plant used for cleansing, so he will be whiter than snow. Then he prays, Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me.

David asks God to restore the joy of his salvation. Then he will teach sinners God's ways. He knows God does not delight in sacrifice alone. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, and God will not despise a broken and contrite heart.

Show What You Know

  1. How does David begin his prayer?

  2. What is hyssop?

  3. What does David ask God to renew?

  4. What will David do after his joy is restored?

Word Bank Fill-In

Use the word bank to fill in each blank.

washspiritwhitercleanmercy
  1. He begins, Have on me, God, according to your loving kindness.
  2. David asks God to blot out his transgressions and him from his iniquity.
  3. He asks God to purify him with hyssop, a plant used for cleansing, so he will be than snow.
  4. Then he prays, Create in me a heart, O God.
  5. Renew a right within me.

Think About It

  1. David told God the truth about his sin. Why is it good to be honest with God?

  2. David asked for a clean heart. What would you like God to make new in you?

Memory Verse

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. O God, you will not despise a broken and contrite heart.”

Psalms 51:17 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for forgiving me and making my heart clean. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • What does it mean to confess sin?
  • Why does David not make excuses?

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.