Listen to our Cries

Psalm 5:1-5 8,11,12 NIV (paraphrased in poetic verse)

1 O LORD, We are thirsty for You as the water of life.

You are the living water that heals our bitterness and strife.

Our souls are dry for the want of your companionship.

We want closeness as wet is to water, as husband is to wife.

2 Please listen to our cries O Lord our God.

Our hearts are heavy with burdens and cares.

Night and day we intercede with You in prayer.

We trust that You will keep your promises, fair and square.

3 We desire to begin each day, calling on You.

Even now we are praying for a gift that is powerful and new.

Before evening we ask You to receive our request and praise.

We pray for your Spirit's "tongues of fire" to set us ablaze.

4 Because You are not a God who takes pleasure punishing,

We are confident You will hear our desperate cry.

5 To our pride and arrogance we want to say good-by,

Since only humility is acceptable in the sweet by and by.

8 Lead us, O LORD, in what we confess and in what we request.

Most of all, lead us to walk with You in righteousness.

We know we can not earn credits to ride the heaven bound bus.

Therefore, we ask for grace to share your goodness with us.

11 Let all who take refuge forgiveness be glad, not sad.

Put smiles on our faces, as we sing joyfully in your graces.

Give protection to us like a mother hen cares for her new born;

That we may know the comfort for those who repent and mourn.

12 We have confidence in You as we confess our failure.

Your word assures us You will surround us with arms of favor,

We praise You for blessing when we come confident and bold.

Assured of comfort as a mother shields her babies from the cold