PSALM 57 ADAPTED

Prayer for our churches

Be merciful to our congregations, O God,

be merciful to each of our churches,

for in you our member’s soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings we all will take refuge,

until the destroying storms pass by.
Each of our churches cries to God Most high;

to God who fulfills his purpose for each of them.

God will send from heaven and save our members,

he will put to shame those who trample on their faith.
God will send forth his steadfast love and his faithfulness.

Our churches lie down among lions

that greedily devour human prey;
their teeth are spears and arrows,

their tongues sharp swords.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.

let your glory be over all the earth.

They set a net for our ministries steps;

Our church’s soul was bowed down,
They dug a pit in a congregation’s path,

but they have fallen into it themselves.
Our heart is steadfast, O God,

Our heart is steadfast.
Our choirs will sing and make melody.

Awake, their soul!
Awake, O harp and lyre!

Our music will awake the dawn.
Our members will give thanks to you, O Lord,

among the peoples;
Together we will sing praises to you

among the nations.
For your steadfast love is as high as the heavens;

your faithfulness extends to the clouds.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.

let your glory be over all the earth.