A Pure Heart for Praise

King David's conscience was still aching over his sin with Bathsheba and against Uriah when he begged God's mercy. Still, he seemed to realize that a clean heart had to come before he could express worship to God:

"Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. … O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise." – Psalm 51:10, 11, 15