Lift Our Heads

O LORD, how many are the troubles that press in on us. Some of us are facing opposition we did not choose. Some of us are reaping what we sowed and hearing the voice that says there is no help for us in God. We bring both kinds of trouble to you now, because you are the only one who can carry them.

Be a shield around us today. Surround us on every side, before and behind, above and below, so that whatever comes has to pass through you first. Be our glory when our own dignity has been stripped away and we are ashamed to be seen. And lift our heads, Lord. We have been staring at the ground a long time.

We cry out to you, and you answer from your holy mountain. Because of that, give us sleep tonight. Let us lie down and wake again, sustained by your hand and not by our own vigilance. Take away the fear of the tens of thousands.

From you, LORD, comes deliverance. Bless your people. Through Jesus, who was surrounded for us and rose on the third morning. Amen.