A Confession of Israel’s Sins

1 Praise the Lord!

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

for his steadfast love endures forever.

2 Who can utter the mighty doings of the Lord,

or declare all his praise?

3 Happy are those who observe justice,

who do righteousness at all times.

4 Remember me, O Lord, when you show favor to your people;

help me when you deliver them;

5 that I may see the prosperity of your chosen ones,

that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation,

that I may glory in your heritage.

6 Both we and our ancestors have sinned;

we have committed iniquity, have done wickedly.

7 Our ancestors, when they were in Egypt,

did not consider your wonderful works;

they did not remember the abundance of your steadfast love,

but rebelled against the Most Higha at the Red Sea.b

8 Yet he saved them for his name’s sake,

so that he might make known his mighty power.

9 He rebuked the Red Sea,c and it became dry;

he led them through the deep as through a desert.

10 So he saved them from the hand of the foe,

and delivered them from the hand of the enemy.

11 The waters covered their adversaries;

not one of them was left.

12 Then they believed his words;

they sang his praise.