Isaiah 63:11–19

¹¹Then they remembered those days of old

when Moses led his people out of Egypt.

They cried out, “Where is the one who brought Israel through the sea,

with Moses as their shepherd?

Where is the one who sent his Holy Spirit

to be among his people?

¹²Where is the one whose power was displayed

when Moses lifted up his hand—

the one who divided the sea before them,

making himself famous forever?

¹³Where is the one who led them through the bottom of the sea?

They were like fine stallions

racing through the desert, never stumbling.

¹⁴As with cattle going down into a peaceful valley,

the Spirit of the Lord gave them rest.

You led your people, Lord,

and gained a magnificent reputation.”

Prayer for Mercy and Pardon

¹⁵Lord, look down from heaven;

look from your holy, glorious home, and see us.

Where is the passion and the might

you used to show on our behalf?

Where are your mercy and compassion now?

¹⁶Surely you are still our Father!

Even if Abraham and Jacob would disown us,

Lord, you would still be our Father.

You are our Redeemer from ages past.

¹⁷Lord, why have you allowed us to turn from your path?

Why have you given us stubborn hearts so we no longer fear you?

Return and help us, for we are your servants,

the tribes that are your special possession.

¹⁸How briefly your holy people possessed your holy place,

and now our enemies have destroyed it.

¹⁹Sometimes it seems as though we never belonged to you,

as though we had never been known as your people.