3. What shall I say, who am guilty, and full of all confusion?
I have not the face to say any thing but this one word, I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned; have mercy on me, and pardon me.
Suffer me a little, that I may mourn out my grief, before I go to the darksome land that is covered with the dismal shade of death. Job x.
What dost thou chiefly require of a guilty and wretched sinner, but that he should heartily repent, and humble himself for his sins.
In true contrition and humility of heart is brought forth hope of forgiveness; a troubled conscience is reconciled; grace that was lost is recovered; a man is secured from the wrath to come, and God meets the penitent soul in the holy kiss of peace.
4. Humble contrition for sins is an acceptable sacrifice to thee, O Lord; of far sweeter odour in thy sight than the burning of frankincense.
This is also that pleasing ointment which thou wouldst have to be poured upon thy sacred feet: for thou never yet hast despised a contrite and humble heart. Psalms l.
[USCCB: Psalms li. 19. "…God, do not spurn a broken, humbled heart." ]