A Prayer
for Portland

From Isaiah 62

For Portland’s sake I will not keep silent,
for Portland’s sake I will not remain quiet,

Until her righteousness shines out like the dawn,
her salvation like a blazing torch.

The nations will see your righteousness,
and all kings your glory;

You will be called by a new name
that the mouth of the Lord will bestow.

You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand,
a royal jewel in the hand of your God.

No longer will they call your downtown “Deserted,”
or name your city “Desolate.”

But you will be called “My Delight”
and your streets will be called “My treasure,”

For the Lord will take delight in you,
and you will be fruitful.

As Isaiah prayed in his day we pray in ours...

We will cry out in prayer day and night,
we will give ourselves no rest,

And we will give God no rest,
until he establishes Portland,

As a city on a hill, a beacon of hope,
a glimpse of the Kingdom to come.