Reader: “ O Lord, how long will you be angry with us? Forever?”

Response: “How long will your jealousy burn like fire?”

Scripture: Psalm 79
>O God, pagan nations have conquered your land,
your special possession.
>They have defiled your holy Temple
>and made Jerusalem a heap of ruins.
>They have left the bodies of your servants
>as food for the birds of heaven.
>The flesh of your godly ones
>has become food for the wild animals.
>Blood has flowed like water all around Jerusalem;
>no one is left to bury the dead.
>We are mocked by our neighbors,
>an object of scorn and derision to those around us.
>O Lord, how long will you be angry with us? Forever?
>How long will your jealousy burn like fire?
>Pour out your wrath on the nations that refuse to acknowledge you—
>on kingdoms that do not call upon your name.
>For they have devoured your people Israel,
>making the land a desolate wilderness.
>Do not hold us guilty for the sins of our ancestors!
>Let your compassion quickly meet our needs,
>for we are on the brink of despair.
>Help us, O God of our salvation!
>Help us for the glory of your name.
>Save us and forgive our sins
>for the honor of your name.
>Why should pagan nations be allowed to scoff,
>asking, “Where is their God?”
>Show us your vengeance against the nations,
>for they have spilled the blood of your servants.
>Listen to the moaning of the prisoners.
>Demonstrate your great power by saving those condemned to die.
>O Lord, pay back our neighbors seven times
>for the scorn they have hurled at you.
>Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture,
>will thank you forever and ever,
>praising your greatness from generation to generation.

Reader: “The word of the Lord.”
Response: “Thanks be to God.”