Psalm 80:1-7 (Common English Bible)

Shepherd of Israel, listen! You, the one who leads Joseph as if he were a sheep. You, who are enthroned upon the winged heavenly creatures. Show yourself before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh!

Wake up your power! Come to save us! Restore us, God! Make your face shine so that we can be saved!

Lord God of heavenly forces, how long will you fume against your people’s prayer? You’ve fed them bread made of tears; you’ve given them tears to drink three times over! You’ve put us at odds with our neighbors; our enemies make fun of us.

Restore us, God of heavenly forces! Make your face shine so that we can be saved!

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Pastoral Prayer

Lord God, we adore you because you have come to us in the past.

You have spoken to us in the Torah.

You have challenged us in the words of the prophets.

You have shown us in Jesus what you are really like.

Lord God, we adore you because you still come to us now.

You come to us through other people and their love and concern for us.

You come to us through men and women who need our help.

You come to us as we worship you with your people.

Lord God, we adore you because you will come to us at the end.

You will be with us at the hour of death.

You will still reign supreme when all human institutions fail.

You will still be God when our history has run its course.

We welcome you, the God who comes.

Come to us now in the power of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen