March 8
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PSALM 85 RESTORE US AGAIN, O GOD OF OUR SALVATION
LORD, you were favorable to your land;
you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
2 You forgave the iniquity of your people;
you covered all their sin. Selah
3 You withdrew all your wrath;
you turned from your hot anger.
4 Restore us again, O God of our salvation,
and put away your indignation toward us!
5 Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger to all generations?
6 Will you not revive us again,
that your people may rejoice in you?
7 Show us your steadfast love, O LORD,
and grant us your salvation. – Psalm 85:1-7
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LITANY OF GOD’S FAVOR & PLEA FOR RESTORATION by ILMA
Lord, you have been so good to us; always faithful
You gave us back all that we have lost before
You always pardon us for all our sinfulness
You do not punish us as we are all deserving
My Lord, you removed your wrath on your people
Instead, you gave them chances and showed patience
Each time I mess up, you are there to catch me
Even though at times I fail to ask for forgiveness
No one else has dealt with me so patiently
Only You understand and do not condemn me.
I plead you my Lord and my God, to bring us restoration
We have been attacked and faced with much temptations
Manifest your steadfast love to us and forgive us our iniquities
We plead you to revive all that we have lost in this slavery.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think the psalmist gave a litany of God’s favor in the past before he pleaded the Lord for restoration?