Psalms 79:1-13

God, nations have come against your chosen people. They have ruined your holy Temple. They have turned Jerusalem into ruins. They have given the bodies of your servants as food to the wild birds. They have given the bodies of those who worship you to the wild animals. They have spilled blood like water all around Jerusalem. No one was left to bury the dead. We are a joke to the other nations; they laugh and make fun of us. LORD, how long will this last? Will you be angry forever? How long will your jealousy burn like a fire? Be angry with the nations that do not know you and with the kingdoms that do not honor you. They have gobbled up the people of Jacob and destroyed their land. Don’t punish us for our past sins. Show your mercy to us soon, because we are helpless! God our Savior, help us so people will praise you. Save us and forgive our sins so people will honor you. Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Tell the other nations in our presence that you punish those who kill your servants. Hear the moans of the prisoners. Use your great power to save those sentenced to die. Repay those around us seven times over for their insults to you, Lord. We are your people, the sheep of your flock. We will thank you always; forever and ever we will praise you.