November 28
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PSALM 80 PRAYER FOR RESTORATION FOR GOD’S VINE
8 You brought a vine out of Egypt;
you drove out the nations and planted it.
9 You cleared the ground for it;
it took deep root and filled the land.
10 The mountains were covered with its shade,
the mighty cedars with its branches.
11 It sent out its branches to the sea
and its shoots to the River.
12 Why then have you broken down its walls,
so that all who pass along the way pluck its fruit?
13 The boar from the forest ravages it,
and all that move in the field feed on it.
14 Turn again, O God of hosts!
Look down from heaven, and see;
have regard for this vine, – Psalm 80:8-14
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, have regard for your vine again as you did in the past
You delivered them from slavery from those foes
You have protected them before, why have you now left them exposed?
They are being preyed on by many different nations who don’t know you.
Lift up your light and have mercy on your covenant people
You promised your steadfast love on all those who are faithful
Forgive all those who have transgressed who belong to your vine
Remember how you cared for them in the past? Renew them now.
You established your vine and settled them in your promised land
Be with those who love you and revere your holy name
Keep them strong and be gracious and merciful to them
Give them anointing and blessing so they can give you constant praise.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think the psalmist use the vine as a symbol for God’s people?