Psalm 85 - A Prayer for Revival and Restored Mercy
Mercy and truth meet together in this prayer for national revival.
Psalm 85 begins by remembering how the LORD once forgave Israel's iniquity and turned back His anger, then turns that memory into a fresh plea: 'Wilt thou not revive us again?' It stands within the Psalms overview as a bridge between past mercy and present need.
<To the chief music-maker. A Psalm. Of the sons of Korah.> Lord, you were good to your land: changing the fate of Jacob.
The wrongdoing of your people had forgiveness; all their sin had been covered. (Selah.)
You were no longer angry: you were turned from the heat of your wrath.
Come back to us, O God of our salvation, and be angry with us no longer.
Will you go on being angry with us for ever? will you keep your wrath against us through all the long generations?
Will you not give us life again, so that your people may be glad in you?
Let us see your mercy, O Lord, and give us your salvation.
I will give ear to the voice of the Lord; for he will say words of peace to his people and to his saints; but let them not go back to their foolish ways.
Truly, his salvation is near to his worshippers; so that glory may be in our land.
Mercy and faith have come together; righteousness and peace have given one another a kiss.
Faith comes up from the earth like a plant; righteousness is looking down from heaven.
The Lord will give what is good; and our land will give its increase.
Righteousness will go before him, making a way for his footsteps.