A Psalm and A Prayer
Psalm 79

Psalm 79

Leader: Do not remember against us the iniquities of our ancestors.

People: Let your compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low.

Leader: O God, the nations have come into your inheritance. They have defiled your holy temple. They have laid Jerusalem in ruins.

People: Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name.

Leader: Deliver us, and forgive our sins, for your name’s sake.

People: Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?”

Leader: According to your great power preserve us.

People: Then we your people, the flock of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever. From generation to generation we will recount your praise.

O God, sometimes we feel surrounded by our enemies. Sometimes those we have elected to lead us have turned from You and have brought us disgrace. Our enemies mock You, the God we serve, and they ridicule us for trusting in You as King of the universe. Sometimes we also feel as though we will always lose the battles against sin and temptation within us. Grant us the victories we need as we pray in the name of Jesus Christ: “Our Father. . .”