Go in reverse, God!

Preserve and protect the people you have chosen,
the nation you made so strong.
We will never turn away from you again;
keep us alive, and we will praise you.
Bring us back, Lord God Almighty.
Show us your mercy, and we will be saved. (verses 17-19)

Read Psalm 80:1-7,17-19

In today’s world prayer can become anaemic. Many people are suspicious that nothing is given to them in prayer. Others think prayer is just an exercise to make us feel better through the process of group sharing.

God’s people believe that God is relevant and adequate for every life situation. Above all, he is faithful to his promises. Therefore, in prayer we can boldly protest to God, wrestle with him and call him to account. The psalm writer appeals to God, ‘Change direction, reverse course! End your anger and remember your people.’

Jesus commends the faith that wrestles with God in prayer like that (Luke 18:1-8, Matthew 15:21-28).

Lord, give me the boldness of faith to ‘put the sack of your promises at your feet so that you cannot step over it’ (Luther). Amen.

by Paul Lohe, in ‘Assurance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2004)

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