A Psalm for Sunday

Today is my last day as pastor to the congregation of Dundonald Methodist... In our communion service this morning we will be reflecting on a couple of stories about vineyards, one in the Old Testament and another told by Jesus, asking "Who Owns the Vineyard?"

This responsive psalm (which I used the last time we looked at Jesus' story reminds us who owns and cares for the vineyard... it may be referring to Israel after the the exile, but it could equally apply to the church in the wake of Christendom, and many local congregations who think that their best days are behind them:

Restore us, O God Almighty;

make your face shine upon us, so that we may be saved.

You transplanted a vine from Egypt;

You cleared the ground for it and planted it.

It took root and filled the land;

The mountains were covered with its shade.

But now you have broken down the walls of the vineyard

so that all who pass by pick its grapes.

Return to us, O God Almighty!

Look down from heaven and see our plight!

Watch over this vine,

the plant your right hand has tended.

Your vine is cut down and scorched with fire;

Your name is mocked.

Let your hand rest upon us once more;

revive us, so that we might bring glory to your name.
Restore us, O God Almighty;

make your face shine upon us, so that we may be saved.

From Psalm 80:7-19

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