Do something, God! Defend yourself.

(A special psalm by Asaph.)

A Prayer for the Nation in Times of Trouble

1 Our God, why have you completely rejected us? Why are you so angry with the ones you care for?

2 Remember the people you rescued long ago, the tribe you chose for your very own. Think of Mount Zion, your home; 3 walk over to the temple left in ruins forever by those who hate us.

4 Your enemies roared like lions in your holy temple, and they have placed their banners there.

5 It looks like a forest chopped to pieces.

6 They used axes and hatchets to smash the carvings.

7 They burned down your temple and badly disgraced it.

8 They said to themselves, “We'll crush them!” Then they burned every one of your meeting places all over the country.

9 There are no more miracles and no more prophets. Who knows how long it will be like this?

10 Our God, how much longer will our enemies sneer? Won't they ever stop insulting you?

11 Why don't you punish them? Why are you holding back?

12 Our God and King, you have ruled since ancient times; you have won victories everywhere on this earth.

13 By your power you made a path through the sea, and you smashed the heads of sea monsters.

14 You crushed the heads of the monster Leviathan, then fed him to wild creatures in the desert.

15 You opened the ground for streams and springs and dried up mighty rivers.

16 You rule the day and the night, and you put the moon and the sun in place.

17 You made summer and winter and gave them to the earth. 

18 Remember your enemies, Lord! They foolishly sneer and won't respect you.

19 You treat us like pet doves, but they mistreat us. Don't keep forgetting us and letting us be fed to those wild animals.

20 Remember the agreement you made with us. Violent enemies are hiding in every dark corner of the earth.

21 Don't disappoint those in need or make them turn from you, but help the poor and homeless to shout your praises.

22 Do something, God! Defend yourself. Remember how those fools sneer at you all day long.

23 Don't forget the loud shouts of your enemies.