Psalm 80 reimagined

A psalm written by Asaph and given to the Choir Director who was to arrange for it to be sung to the tune “Lilies of the Covenant.”

Pay attention, our Guardian, for you are the leader we have chosen to follow. You, who sits outside the universe, demonstrate your greatness.
We owe our existence to you – show us your tremendous authority by liberating us.

Win back our hearts to you, our Creator. Smile at us with eyes full of your inexhaustible love and then we will be free.
Lord, Creator, the commander of all creation’s forces, why are you frustrated when we pray?
Instead of answers, we receive suffering and experience untold grief.
Those around us treat us with contempt and our opponents ridicule us.

Win back our hearts to you, Creator, commander of all creation’s forces. Smile at us with eyes full of your inexhaustible love and then we will be free.
You liberated us from our misdirected lives and from those who oppressed us. We grew together as your followers, caring for each other and for those living around us.
You gave us purpose, work and prosperity so we developed into a strong community.
We safeguarded those who needed protection and were not afraid to stand up against powerful opponents.
Our influence crossed many boundaries, and we planted communities in areas beyond our own.
But we have broken down and are unprotected. Why have you done this?
All we worked for and built, is being taken by anyone with a mind to loot.

We plead with you to return to us, Creator, commander of all creation’s forces. Look at us in love, take pity and return to care for us.
Rebuild the family, that you adopted – give us back our purpose, work and prosperity.
We are wounded and divided by our oppressors – show them your displeasure.
Give us your Spirit so we will know your strength and how much you love us.
We will be faithful and never walk out on you again. Revitalise us so we will sing your praises.

Win back our hearts to you, Lord, Creator, commander of all creation’s forces. Smile at us with eyes full of your inexhaustible love and then we will be free.