Psalm 44

"Without your saving grace, we come in

conflict with our neighbors, 

we fear all who seem different from us.

We seek to better ourselves at the expense 

of other nations, 

we become arrogant and greedy. 

All day long we run from our disgrace, 

yet our shame is ever before us, 

At the cries of injustice and oppression, 

at the sight of the poor and needy. 

As all this comes upon us, 

we remember You O Infinite Love,

we pray for your support 

in our conflicts.

Our hearts recall your Word, 

your promises of old, 

Yet, does deep darkness overshadow us.

Until crises comes, we forget 

the Name of the Creator, 

we spread forth our hands to 

a worldly god. 

Does not the Most High discover this?

For the Beloved knows the secrets 

of the heart. 

No, Love does not abandon us; 

we ourselves turn our faces 

from the Light. 

Rise up, pray for a change of heart! 

Then will the Indwelling Companion Presence

deliver you with steadfast love."  

Psalm 44, abridged 

Psalms for Praying, Nan C. Merrill