Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return

Lamentation 5:1-22

Remember, Lord, what has happened to us; look, and see our disgrace. Our ancestors sinned and are no more, and we bear their punishment.

Joy is gone from our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning. The crown has fallen from our head. Woe to us, for we have sinned!

You, Lord, reign forever; your throne endures from generation to generation. Why do you always forget us? Why do you forsake us so long? Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return; renew our days as of old unless you have utterly rejected us and are angry with us beyond measure.

In the prayer to God which rounds off this little collection of laments, the poet vividly describes 'what has happened to us': the loss of freedom, loss of land, loss of respect; rape and cruelty; forced labor; near-starvation. He sees this as a consequence not only of the people's own sin but that of previous generations. And he prays to God for restoration, if it is not, after all too late.

Why?

This is the prayer of the poet, who described how sad life they have and the loss of being a human.

Finally, the author confesses their sins and the sins of their ancestors, who trust in the Lord and prayed to the Lord to restore them that they may return to the glory as before.

How?

Remember this punishment is so terrible for their sins, so be aware to away from the sin and obey the word of the Lord, and follow God's command is the only way of blessing.