Dual PanelTo the director: To the tune “Lilies of the Agreement.” One of Asaph’s songs of praise.
1Shepherd of Israel, listen to us. You lead your people like sheep. You sit on your throne above the Cherub angels. Let us see you.
2Shepherd of Israel, show your greatness to the tribes of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh. Come and save your people.
3God, accept us again. Smile down on us and save us!
4LORD God All-Powerful, when will you listen to our prayers? How long will you be angry with us?
5Instead of bread and water, you gave your people tears.
6You made us the target of everyone’s hatred. Our enemies make fun of us.
7God All-Powerful, accept us again. Smile down on us and save us!
8When you brought us out of Egypt, we were like your special vine. You forced other nations to leave this land, and you planted that vine here.
9You prepared the ground for it, and it sent its roots down deep and spread throughout the land.
10It covered the mountains, and its leaves shaded even the giant cedar trees.
11Its branches spread to the Mediterranean Sea, its shoots to the Euphrates River.
12God, why did you pull down the walls that protect your vine? Now everyone who passes by picks its grapes.
13Wild pigs come and ruin it. Wild animals eat the leaves.
14God All-Powerful, come back. Look down from heaven at your vine and protect it.
15Look at the vine you planted with your own hands. Look at the young plant you raised.
16Our enemies have cut it down and burned it up. Show them how angry you are and destroy them.
17Reach out and help your chosen one. Reach out to the people you raised up.
18Then we will never leave you. Let us live, and we will worship you.
19LORD God All-Powerful, accept us again. Smile down on us and save us!