Psalms  ◦   Chapter 80

1Hear us, O Shepherd of those, who like Israel, cling to God;
may you increase those whom you lead.
You sit enthroned above the mightiest angels;
shine forth the radiance of your truth and love

2into the hearts of your people,
that they may be fruitful, powerful in your cause,
and forget their selfish ways.
Display your recreative power and heal us.

3Restore us to your perfect design, O Creator God;
make your flawless character of love shine upon us,
that we may be healed to be like you.

4O Lord God Almighty,
how long will our foolish requests frustrate your healing plan?

5We fill ourselves with sorrow
and drown in our tears.

6You let us become hated by our neighbors
and ridiculed by our enemies.

7Restore us to your perfect design, O Creator God;
make your flawless character of love shine upon us,
that we may be healed to be like you.

8You brought us out of Egypt like a grapevine;
you drove out the devouring forces and planted us in the land.

9You prepared a place for us to grow,
and we set down roots and filled the land.

10The shade of our prosperity stretched over the countryside;
our family tree’s branches are strong like the mighty cedars.

11We branched out to the Mediterranean
and grew to reach the Euphrates river.

12What was it that broke down our protective hedge
so that any who pass by can steal our offspring?

13Like wild pigs they trample us;
like vermin they leech off of us.

14Almighty Creator God, come back to us and restore your protection;
look down from heaven, see what is wrong,
and give your people the help they need.

15Come and revive the grapevine you planted —
this branch of humanity’s family tree
that you have chosen for the outworking of your healing plan.

16You have burned away the dross and pruned back the dead branches;
at your rebuke, selfishness is destroyed.

17Give your power and authority to the One who stands at your right hand,
to the Son of Man you have raised up as your Remedy.

18Then we will not turn away from you;
give us life — your healing remedy — and we will proclaim your character of love.

19Restore us to your perfect design, O Creator God;
make your flawless character of love shine upon us,
that we may be healed to be like you.