1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, ♦
then were we like those who dream.
2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter ♦
and our tongue with songs of joy.
3 Then said they among the nations, ♦
‘The Lord has done great things for them.’
4 The Lord has indeed done great things for us, ♦
and therefore we rejoiced.
5 Restore again our fortunes, O Lord, ♦
as the river beds of the desert.
6 Those who sow in tears ♦
shall reap with songs of joy.
7 Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed, ♦
will come back with shouts of joy,
bearing their sheaves with them.
Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, material from which is included here,
is copyright © The Archbishops' Council 2000 and published by Church House Publishing.