“Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock!
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh.
Stir up your might, and come to save us!
Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
O Lord God of hosts, how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?
You have fed them with the bread of tears, and given them tears to drink in full measure.
you make us the scorn of our neighbors; our enemies laugh among themselves.
Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
But let your hand be upon the one at your right hand,
the one whom you made strong for yourself.
Then we will never turn back from you; give us life, and we will call on your name .
Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved. Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
Three times, the psalmist is pleading for restoration and salvation in this passage. We are all in need of God to restore us once again. Some of us are dealing with chronic health issues that challenge our hope. Others have strayed from God and have unconfessed sin. Others have relationships that are broken and in need of repair. And still, others find themselves struggling to believe. May God let His face shine once again that we may be saved.
Action: Draw a circle on a piece of paper and write the words, “Restore Us, O God” in the center of the circle. Write down the names of people and situations in your life that are in need of restoration. Pray for these situations.
Prayer: Restore us this Advent season, O Lord God of hosts, let your face shine that we may be saved. Amen.