Psalms are for praying more than studying.

They form us, not just inform us.

This is a prayer for revival.

1 You, Lord, showed favor to your land;

you restored the fortunes of Jacob.

2 You forgave the iniquity of your people

and covered all their sins.

3 You set aside all your wrath

and turned from your fierce anger.

4 Restore us again, God our Savior,

and put away your displeasure toward us.

5 Will you be angry with us forever?

Will you prolong your anger through all generations?

6 Will you not revive us again,

that your people may rejoice in you?

7 Show us your unfailing love, Lord,

and grant us your salvation.

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.

9 Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,

that his glory may dwell in our land.

10 Love and faithfulness meet together;

righteousness and peace kiss each other.

11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,

and righteousness looks down from heaven.

12 The Lord will indeed give what is good,

and our land will yield its harvest.

13 Righteousness goes before him

and prepares the way for his steps.

Pray Psalm 85 with the perspective of Christ Jesus, suffering Servant, atoning sacrifice, Risen Lord. (vv. 1-3)

Pray Psalm 85 with an awareness of "us" being the people of God--all believers--now in this generation (the "invisible Church"). (vv. 1-13)

Pray Psalm 85 with an understanding of how blessings and curses worked in the Old Testament, and how God's anger is revealed as giving people over to be dominated by their spiritual enemies and to suffer the consequences of their actions--until they repent and return to Him. (vv. 4-9)

Pray Psalm 85 with the understanding of Jesus' parables and teachings--(vv. 12-13; may the church have a harvest of righteous disciples who will introduce others to the Savior Jesus).