Matt Boswell is inviting Christians to bring their failures into the light-and recover their song. In his book, Create in Me a Clean Heart: Experiencing God's Abundant Mercy in Psalm 51, the hymn writer explores David's prayer through four themes: repentance, restoration, renewal, and response.
Getty Music is encouraging readers to "read, pray and sing Psalm 51," pairing Boswell's exploration of the psalm with his accompanying hymn, "O God, Be Merciful to Me (Psalm 51)." Together, the book and song point toward God's abundant mercy in Christ, offering a resource for personal devotion and congregational worship.
The hymn carries a melody many worshipers will immediately recognize: Stuart Townend's "How Deep the Father's Love for Us." Writing for Crossway, Boswell explains that his new lyrics took shape around the familiar tune and that Townend granted permission to publish the text with his melody. Boswell's hope is that the setting will help Christians find their voice again when awareness of sin makes singing difficult.
According to Getty Music's announcement, a recording is expected in early 2027. In the meantime, listeners can explore the hymn's words and begin using the available resources to read, pray, and sing through the psalm.
Getty Music is offering the book's first chapter and hymn lyrics free in English, French, Indonesian, Italian, Malagasy, and Spanish. Readers who have purchased the book can also complete a form to receive free accompanying Hymnal sheet music.
The invitation begins with an honest prayer for mercy and moves toward renewed worship. Through David's words, Boswell encourages readers to consider how confession, forgiveness, and a restored relationship with God can shape their response to Christ.
Read the hymn lyrics: "O God, Be Merciful to Me (Psalm 51)".
Access the free chapter, multilingual lyrics, and sheet-music offer: Getty Music's Psalm 51 Resources.
