Psalm 85: Revival for the Land
Best for: Praying for revival, reconciliation
Psalm 85 ("Revival for the Land") is a lament psalm best read for praying for revival, reconciliation. Psalm 85 recalls past restoration — God brought back captivity, forgave iniquity, turned from anger — and asks: 'Wilt thou not revive us again?' The psalmist listens for God's answer and hears peace.
Overview
Psalm 85 recalls past restoration — God brought back captivity, forgave iniquity, turned from anger — and asks: 'Wilt thou not revive us again?' The psalmist listens for God's answer and hears peace. The beautiful climax: mercy and truth meet together, righteousness and peace kiss each other. Truth springs from the earth and righteousness looks down from heaven.
Key Verses
"Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other."— Psalm 85:10 (KJV)
"Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?"— Psalm 85:6 (KJV)
Key Themes
Reflection
The meeting of mercy and truth, the kiss of righteousness and peace — this is the gospel in Old Testament poetry. Revival happens when these divine attributes converge in human hearts.
Historical Context
A prayer for national revival following return from exile. The beautiful promise 'Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other' envisions the perfect reconciliation of God's attributes—fully realized in Christ, where justice and mercy meet at the cross.
How to Apply This Today
Pray for revival in your nation, church, and family. This psalm shows that revival follows a pattern: remembering past mercy, confessing present need, and trusting future restoration. Where mercy and truth meet, where righteousness and peace kiss—that's where God's glory dwells.
🙏 A Prayer from Psalm 85
Lord, You have been favorable to Your land. Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your mercy, Lord, and grant us Your salvation. Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Amen.
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Read devotionalFrequently Asked Questions
What is Psalm 85 about?
Psalm 85 recalls past restoration — God brought back captivity, forgave iniquity, turned from anger — and asks: 'Wilt thou not revive us again?' The psalmist listens for God's answer and hears peace. The beautiful climax: mercy and truth meet together, righteousness and peace kiss each other. Truth springs from the earth and righteousness looks down from heaven.
What does Psalm 85 teach us?
The meeting of mercy and truth, the kiss of righteousness and peace — this is the gospel in Old Testament poetry. Revival happens when these divine attributes converge in human hearts.
What are the key themes of Psalm 85?
The key themes of Psalm 85 include: Revival, Mercy and Truth, Peace, Restoration.
When should I read Psalm 85?
Psalm 85 is especially meaningful for: Praying for revival, reconciliation. The overall mood is expectant, beautiful.
How can I apply Psalm 85 to my life?
Pray for revival in your nation, church, and family. This psalm shows that revival follows a pattern: remembering past mercy, confessing present need, and trusting future restoration. Where mercy and truth meet, where righteousness and peace kiss—that's where God's glory dwells.
Continue Studying Themes from Psalm 85
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