Lent 8. Psalm 35: 1 - 17

Under the slanderer’s tongue

Something inside me died.

Under the slanderer’s tongue

You, Lord, were crucified.

You my defence and shield

In the dark flailing storm.

You hung without defence

And for my sake were torn.

I will call out Your name:

“Come, Lord and rescue me!”

You hung alone, alone,

And no one heard Your plea.

You will my surety be

Against the cruelest foe.

You took and drank my cup

Drained the last drop of woe.

You will raise up the poor,

You will restore the crushed;

You who gave up Your bliss

You who became like us.

I, who cry out “How long?”

Under my mortal thrall,

I put my trust in You

For You have borne it all.