St Philip's Anglican Church, O'Connor : Psalm

Psalm 79

1 O God, the heathen have come into your land:
    they have defiled your holy temple, they have made Jerusalem a heap of tones.
2 They have given the dead bodies of your servants as food to the birds of the air:
    and the flesh of your faithful ones to the wild beasts of the earth.
3 Their blood they have spilt like water on every side of Jerusalem:
    and there is none to bury them.
4 We have become a mockery to our neighbours:
    the scorn and laughing-stock of those about us.
5 How long, O Lord, shall your anger be so extreme:
    will your jealous fury burn like fire?
6 Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not know you:
    on the kingdoms that have not called upon your name.
7 For they have devoured Jacob:
    and made his dwelling-place a desolation.
8 Do not remember against us the sin of former times:
    but let your compassion hasten to meet us, for we are brought very low.
9 Help us, O God our saviour, for the honour of your name:
    O deliver us and expiate our sins, for your name's sake. [10 Why should the heathen say 'Where is their God?':
    O let vengeance for the blood of your servants that is shed be shown upon the nations in our sight.]
11 Let the sorrowful sighing of the prisoners come before you:
    and as your power is great, reprieve those condemned to die. [12 For the taunts with which our neighbourshave taunted you, O Lord:
    repay them seven times over into their bosoms.]
13 So we that are your people and the sheep of your pasture shall give you thanks for ever:
    we will declare your praise in every generation.