How long, O God, how long?
How long will we see but not perceive?
How long will we hear but not understand?
Do our souls not long for You enough?
Are our cries not loud enough?
Cast us not away from Your presence, O Lord;
for we are lost
and hungry.
Yet You remain silent
and we long for Your Spirit
as the seasons lengthen into darkness
and our bodies wither with age
as pleasant lakes grow dry and bitter with salt
so is the taste of our longing.
We cling to your promise of faithfulness
as the dying cling to their breath
as children cling to their mother's breasts,
we yearn for the coming of our Redeemer.
Stay with us Lord,
for it is evening
and the day is almost over.