How are the Mighty Fallen?

Oh, America, the beautiful.
Once with mighty faith in Jesus,
with foundations of righteousness
laid by our forefathers.

”How are the mighty fallen?”

”Remember, O LORD, what has happened to us.

Look and see our disgrace!

Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers,

our houses to foreigners.

We have become fatherless orphans;

our mothers are widows.

We must buy the water we drink;

our wood comes at a price.

We are closely pursued;

we are weary and find no rest.

Joy has left our hearts;

our dancing has turned to mourning.

The crown has fallen from our head.

Woe to us, for we have sinned!

You, O LORD, reign forever;

Your throne endures from generation to generation.

Why have You forgotten us forever?

Why have You forsaken us for so long?

Restore us to Yourself, O LORD, so we may return;

renew our days as of old,

unless You have utterly rejected us

and remain angry with us beyond measure.”

Lamentations 5: 1-5, 15-16, 19-22