1. The Lord’s word to Jeremiah concerning the droughts:
2. Judah mourns;her gates wither away.The people fall to the ground in sorrow,as sobs of Jerusalem ascend.
3. The rich send their servants for water,but the wells run dry.They return with empty jars,ashamed, bewildered, and in despair.
4. Because the ground is cracked due to lack of rain,the farmers too are ashamed;they cover their heads.
5. Even the doe in the fieldabandons her newborn,for there’s no grass.
6. The wild donkeys stand on the well-traveled paths,panting like thirsty dogs;they go blindsince there’s nothing to eat.
7. Even though our sins testify against us,help us, Lord, for your name’s sake.We have turned away from youand sinned against you time and again.
8. You are the hope of Israel,its savior in times of trouble.Why are you like a stranger in the land,like a tourist spending only the night?
9. Why are you like one taken by surprise,like a warrior unable to act?Yet you are in our midst, Lord;we are called by your name.Don’t give up on us.
10. This is what the Lord proclaims about this people:Since they have loved to wander offand haven’t restrained themselves,I won’t accept them.Now I will recall their wrongdoingand punish their sin.
11. The Lord said to me: Don’t pray for the safety of these people.