[1] O Eternal One, there was a time when You were gracious to Your land; You returned Jacob's descendants from their captivity. [2] You forgave the iniquity of Your people, covered all of their sins. [pause] [3] There was a time when You restrained all of Your fierce wrath, when You cooled Your hot anger. [4] O God of our salvation, bring us back again-as You did before- and put away Your anger toward us. [5] Will You be mad at us forever? Will You continue to be angry with our children and theirs? [6] Will You not bring us back to life once more so that we, Your people, will find joy and pleasure in You? [7] O Eternal One, show us Your unfailing love; give us what we truly need: Your salvation. [8] I will hear what the True God-the Eternal-will say, for He will speak peace over His people, peace over those who faithfully follow Him, [but do not let them abuse His gift and return to foolish ways]. [9] Without a doubt, His salvation is near for those who revere Him so that He will be with us again and all His glory will fill this land. [10] Unfailing love and truth have met on their way; righteousness and peace have kissed one another. [11] Truth will spring from the earth like a plant, and justice will look down from the sky. [12] Yes, the Eternal will plant goodness in the earth, and our land will yield great abundance. [13] Justice will come before Him, marking out a path, setting a way for His feet.
