Restoration’s Call
In the quiet moments, hearts do yearn,
For God’s embrace, His love we discern.
When we seek forgiveness, pure and true,
His arms are open, welcoming me and you.
Honest words, a bridge to the divine,
In our spiritual journey, they brightly shine.
Repentance, restoration, revival’s plea,
A call for renewal, for you and me.
God’s Spirit, like a gentle rain,
Brings joy, washes away the pain.
In His presence, faith is renewed,
With gratitude, our hearts are imbued.
Thankful for mercy, we draw near,
In His forgiveness, there’s no fear.
Even in trials, hope does remain,
For His unchanging love, forever sustains.
REFLECTION:
Will you not instead give us life; and shall not your people rejoice in you? Show us, O Lord, your kindness, and grant us your salvation. (Psalm 85:7-8)
God is always ready to restore us if we genuinely seek His forgiveness. Honest communication is a key part of a healthy spiritual life. The call for repentance, restoration, and revival emphasizes the need for spiritual renewal. We should seek a fresh outpouring of God’s spirit in our lives, leading to joy and renewed faith. Let us always be thankful for God’s forgiveness. Recognizing and appreciating His mercy can deepen our relationship with Him. Even in difficult times, we can have hope because of His unchanging love.
Prayer for Restoration and Renewal
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your forgiveness. We know that You are always ready to restore us when we genuinely seek Your mercy. Help us to communicate honestly with You, for we know that this is key to a healthy spiritual life.
Lord, we hear Your call for repentance, restoration, and revival. We ask for a fresh outpouring of Your Spirit in our lives. Renew our faith and fill us with joy. Let Your presence be a constant reminder of Your unchanging love.
We are deeply thankful for Your forgiveness. Help us to recognize and appreciate Your mercy, for it deepens our relationship with You. Even in difficult times, may we find hope in Your steadfast love.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
Pericope:
Third Book of Psalms 73-89
PRAYER FOR DIVINE FAVOR
Psalm 85:1-14
Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 85:2-4, 5-6, 7-8
R: Lord, show us your mercy and love.
2 You have favored, O Lord, your land; you have brought back the captives of Jacob. 3 You have forgiven the guilt of your people; you have covered all their sins. 4 You have withdrawn all your wrath; you have revoked your burning anger. (R) 5 Restore us, O God our savior, and abandon your displeasure against us. 6 Will you be ever angry with us, prolonging your anger to all generations? (R) 7 Will you not instead give us life; and shall not your people rejoice in you? 8 Show us, O Lord, your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
Background:
Psalm 85 is a heartfelt prayer for revival and restoration, traditionally attributed to the sons of Korah, who were Levites involved in temple worship. This psalm is often thought to have been written after the return of the Jews from Babylonian captivity, reflecting their longing for God’s continued favor and mercy.
Verses 2-4. These verses express gratitude for God’s forgiveness and the restoration of His people:
Verse 2: “You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins.” This highlights God’s mercy in lifting the burden of sin and restoring the relationship between Him and His people.
Verse 3: “You set aside all your wrath and turned from your fierce anger.” This signifies God’s willingness to forgive and move past His anger.
Verse 4: “Restore us again, God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us.” Here, the psalmist pleads for renewed favor and restoration.
Verses 5-6. These verses continue the plea for revival:
Verse 5: “Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger through all generations?” The psalmist questions the duration of God’s anger, seeking reassurance of His mercy.
Verse 6: “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” This verse is a direct appeal for revival, emphasizing the joy that comes from God’s presence.
Verses 7-8. These verses shift towards a hopeful expectation of God’s response:
Verse 7: “Show us your unfailing love, Lord, and grant us your salvation.” The psalmist asks for a demonstration of God’s steadfast love and salvation.
Verse 8: “I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—but let them not turn to folly.” This verse reflects a commitment to heed God’s words and a reminder to remain faithful.
This psalm beautifully captures the themes of forgiveness, restoration, and the hope for revival, resonating deeply with those seeking a closer relationship with God.
Learning Lessons:
Psalm 85:2-8 offers several profound lessons that can be applied to our lives:
Verses 2-4: Gratitude and Repentance
Gratitude for Forgiveness: These verses remind us to be thankful for God’s forgiveness. Recognizing and appreciating His mercy can deepen our relationship with Him.
Repentance and Restoration: The plea for restoration highlights the importance of turning back to God when we stray. It shows that God is always ready to restore us if we genuinely seek His forgiveness.
Verses 5-6: Seeking Revival
Questioning God’s Anger: The psalmist’s questions about the duration of God’s anger teach us that it’s okay to express our doubts and fears to God. Honest communication is a key part of a healthy spiritual life.
Desire for Revival: The call for revival emphasizes the need for spiritual renewal. It encourages us to seek a fresh outpouring of God’s spirit in our lives, leading to joy and renewed faith.
Verses 7-8: Hope and Obedience
Hope in God’s Love: Asking for a demonstration of God’s unfailing love reminds us to trust in His steadfastness. Even in difficult times, we can have hope because of His unchanging love.
Commitment to Listen and Obey: The commitment to listen to God’s promises and avoid folly teaches us the importance of obedience. It encourages us to be attentive to God’s guidance and to live wisely.
These lessons from Psalm 85 can inspire us to cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude, seek continual spiritual renewal, and maintain hope and obedience in our walk with God.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
