Psalm 80: God’s shining smile
 
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We’re here, Lord, calling to you -
Shine out, God of love!
How long, O Lord,
how long will your people suffer in the dark?
Our only food is the bread of tears.
We have become a laughing stock.
Are you angry with us?
May your light break through!
May your smile shine on us!
 
Remember how you carried us
and planted us in the land
like a vine, brought from far away.
It grew strong and deep and wide
but now it has been cut down!
May your light break through!
May your smile shine on us!
 
Open our eyes to new possibilities.
Give us new hope, Lord!
Give us strength from your right hand
and we praise you for ever more.
May your light break through!
May your smile shine on us!
 

Photo: 
A tile at St Georges College, Jerusalem

Psalm 80: The Restoration Project
(For Advent: The Lectionary Psalm for Sunday 3 December 2017)
 
Can’t you hear your people, Lord?
Can’t you see the state of things?
Great Shepherd of Israel, hear the cry of your sheep.
Mighty God of Hosts, see your people’s pain.
We are tired of eating the bread of tears
We are worn by strife and fear.
Restore us with your favour, Lord!
Save us in your love.
Your home on earth is past repair
The walls are cracked and broken
The fruiting vine is hacked and burned
Your people turn away.
Send us a Shepherd, Lord!
Send us a Son from your right hand.
All your strength is in him
All your power to heal.
Restore us with your favour, Lord!
Save us in your love.