I
How long, O Lord? Why does Your anger burn like a thicket on fire?
Why must we keep silent while the oppressor mocks us?
You tell us to be still that the battle is Yours,
Yet our hearts are tormented by the shadow of the sword.
II
Arise, O Prince of Peace, our Reconciliation and our Gift!
Cloak me in Your quietness as with a comforting spirit.
When the flesh is weary and the inner man is troubled,
Soothe the ache with the oil of Your perfect rest.
III
Speak from Your holy temple and rebuke the strange voices,
The loud and warring whispers that break my inner peace.
You who quiet the dove and command the restless sea,
Rebuke the anxieties that billow like a storm within my soul.
IV
Remember us, O God, as You remembered Solomon Your servant;
Grant us rest on every side and keep the adversary at bay.
Why do You hide Your face in the hour of our anguish?
How long must the flock wait for the Shepherd to appear?
V
Guard the innocent lambs from the teeth of the wolves,
And halt the destruction that spreads like wildfire.
Rebuild our broken pillars with the cornerstones of Your peace,
And fortify our gates with the walls of Your salvation.
VI
From eternity to eternity, Your peace will be praised as our only heritage.
We shall treasure the gift that the world cannot give,
Walking in Your light, safe within Your premises forever.
Amen.