How Long, O Lord?

(Psalm 74:1-23; Jeremiah 52:1-11)

1O God, the heathen are come into your inheritance; your holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.

2The dead bodies of your servants have they given to be meat to the fowls of the heaven, the flesh of your saints to the beasts of the earth.

3Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and there was none to bury them.

4We are become a reproach to our neighbors, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us.

5How long, LORD? will you be angry for ever? shall your jealousy burn like fire?

6Pour out your wrath on the heathen that have not known you, and on the kingdoms that have not called on your name.

7For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place.

8O remember not against us former iniquities: let your tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low.

9Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for your name's sake.

10Why should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the revenging of the blood of your servants which is shed.

11Let the sighing of the prisoner come before you; according to the greatness of your power preserve you those that are appointed to die;

12And render to our neighbors sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, with which they have reproached you, O Lord.

13So we your people and sheep of your pasture will give you thanks for ever: we will show forth your praise to all generations.