Psalm 80 from Nan Merrill’s Psalms for Praying.

Eternal Listener, give heed to

your people,

You, who are our Guide and our

Light!

You, who dwell amidst the angels,

shine forth into the heart of

all nations!

Enliven your people with compassion

that peace and justice

might flourish.

Restore us, O Holy One;

let your face shine upon us,

teach us to love!

Gentle Teacher, help us to turn

to You in prayer,

fasting from our negative thoughts.

In your steadfast Love, You weep

with our tears,

tears that rise from fear,

Doubt, and illusion.

You uphold us when we feel the sting

of pride,

when our anxiety threatens to

paralyse us.

Restore us, O Holy One;

let your face shine upon us,

teach us to love!

You companion us through the wilderness,

through the shadows created by fear.

You plant your Seed into each heart.

You uproot the weeds of our sin,

You cultivate the soil of our

Goodness.

Truly, in You, we become like a tiny

acorn,

holding the secret of a mighty oak.

You nourish us with the food of Love,

with streams of Living Water.

Be our strength as we break down walls

that separate and divide;

let not fear pluck away the gifts

we would share.

Roll away the stones that become obstacles

to growth,

to producing a bountiful harvest.

Receive our gratitude, O Heart of

all hearts!

Look upon us and see what

Love can do;

rejoice in the new birth

that You create!

Be glad where your Seed has found

fertile soil.

How much more the return of one

healthy plant

than ten thousand useless weeds!

May those who have borne the fruit

of love

Radiate your Spirit into the world!

May we always walk and co-create

with You;

receive the gratitude of our hearts,

as we share in the Great Plan!

Restore us, O Holy One!

Let your face shine upon us,

teach us to love!