By John De Vries, Jr.
Leader: Help, Lord for the godly are no more;
the faithful have vanished from among men.
All: Our countries are forever at war
there are none who bring peace.
Leader: Everyone lies to his neighbor
their flattering lips speak with deceit.
All: The people are drawn by greed and unsatisfying things
their indifference to the victims of crime and poverty blaspheme our holy God,
Leader: May the Lord cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue;
we own our lips - who is our master?
All: The selfishness that steals from the poor and ignores the sick shall destroy our nation,
but we are the best among the nations - who shall conquer our land?
Leader: Because of the oppresssion of the weak and the groaning of the needy,
I will now arise, says the Lord
I willl protect them from those who malign them
All: Because the millions of poor and sick are left without defenders,
The Lord will speak with truth and justice.
Christ, the victim of sin for sinners, hears the victims of robbery and abuse,
His death and resurrection is our door to life
Leader: And the words of the Lord are flawless,
like silver refined in a furnace of clay
All: His love reigns
Leader: O Lord, you will keep us safe and protect us from the people forever.
All: His love reigns over me
Leader: The wicked freely struts about
when what is vile is honored among men
All: In the cruxified Lord the victims of sin are victorious.
His love reigns in us and through us.
