Isaiah 64:1-11

64:1 (63:19b) If only you would tear apart the sky and come down!

The mountains would tremble before you!

64:2 (64:1) As when fire ignites dry wood,

or fire makes water boil,

let your adversaries know who you are,

and may the nations shake at your presence!

64:3 When you performed awesome deeds that took us by surprise,

you came down, and the mountains trembled before you.

64:4 Since ancient times no one has heard or perceived,

no eye has seen any God besides you,

who intervenes for those who wait for him.

64:5 You assist those who delight in doing what is right,

who observe your commandments.

Look, you were angry because we violated them continually.

How then can we be saved?

64:6 We are all like one who is unclean,

all our so-called righteous acts are like a menstrual rag in your sight.

We all wither like a leaf;

our sins carry us away like the wind.

64:7 No one invokes your name,

or makes an effort to take hold of you.

For you have rejected us

and handed us over to our own sins.

64:8 Yet, Lord, you are our father.

We are the clay, and you are our potter;

we are all the product of your labor.

64:9 Lord, do not be too angry!

Do not hold our sins against us continually!

Take a good look at your people, at all of us!

64:10 Your chosen cities have become a desert;

Zion has become a desert,

Jerusalem is a desolate ruin.

64:11 Our holy temple, our pride and joy,

the place where our ancestors praised you,

has been burned with fire;

all our prized possessions have been destroyed.