Before the Silence

I have loved you, but you ask,
     "How have You loved us?"
You have despised Me, but you ask,
     "How have we despised You?"
You defiled My Name, but you ask,
     "How have we defiled Your Name?"

You may build, but I will throw it down.
You may offer sacrifice, but I will reject it.
You may worship, but I will not hear you.

Before the silence,
My wayward children,
Take Me now to heart,
Stop your sin.