A PRAYER FOR THE TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Psalm 85

4 Restore us again, O God of our salvation,

and put away your indignation toward us.

5 Will you be angry with us forever?

Will you prolong your anger to all generations?

6 Will you not revive us again,

so that your people may rejoice in you?

7 Show us your steadfast love, O Lord,

and grant us your salvation.

8 Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,

for he will speak peace to his people,

to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.[a]

9 Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him,

that his glory may dwell in our land.

10 Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;

righteousness and peace will kiss each other.

11 Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,

and righteousness will look down from the sky.

12 The Lord will give what is good,

and our land will yield its increase.

13 Righteousness will go before him,

and will make a path for his steps.

Restore us again, O God

that we may lift our voices

in praise of the sky above

and the earth below

join our voices with birds in flight

and the great whales of the deep

Restore us again, O God

so we may join in the dance

of your creation

may our feet move to the rhythm

of the winds across the prairie

and the rain upon the land

Restore us again, O God

so we may walk together

with our sisters and brothers

spreading joy to every village

and acceptance for each person

Restore us again, O God

so we may learn the ways of peace

and the pathways of Shalom

turning swords into ploughshares

spears into pruning forks

and study war never more

Restore us again, O God

so that we nurture our children

and lead them in righteous ways

protect them from all harm

spare them any and all abuse

and plant beauty in their souls

Restore us again, O God

so we may walk in your ways

follow your commandments

that our life may be abundant

and eternal

Amen