1 Prayer for Restoration Lord , remember what has happened to us. Look, and see our disgrace!2 Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers, our houses to foreigners.3 We have become orphans, fatherless; our mothers are widows.4 We must pay for the water we drink; our wood comes at a price.5 We are closely pursued; we are tired, and no one offers us rest.6 We made a treaty with Lit We gave the hand to Egypt and with Assyria, to get enough food.7 Our fathers sinned; they no longer exist, but we bear their punishment.8 Slaves rule over us; no one rescues us from them.9 We secure our food at the risk of our lives because of the sword in the wilderness.10 Our skin is as hot Or black ; Hb obscure as an oven from the ravages of hunger.11 Women have been raped in Zion, virgins in the cities of Judah.12 Princes have been hung up by their hands; elders are shown no respect.13 Young men labor at millstones; boys stumble under loads of wood.14 The elders have left the city gate, the young men, their music.15 Joy has left our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning.16 The crown has fallen from our head. Woe to us, for we have sinned.17 Because of this, our heart is sick; because of these, our eyes grow dim:18 because of Mount Zion, which lies desolate and has jackals prowling in it.19 You, Lord , are enthroned forever; your throne endures from generation to generation.20 Why do you continually forget us, abandon us for our entire lives?21 Lord , bring us back to yourself, so we may return; renew our days as in former times,22 unless you have completely rejected us and are intensely angry with us.