Introduction to the Passage
This passage is a communal lament, a communal prayer for God to deliver his people. Three times in this passage the psalmist repeats the refrain, "Restore us O God; let your face shine that we might be saved." The phrase, "Let your face shine," literally means, "smile on us." The psalm is asking God to turn away his displeasure and smile on them again so that they can be restored.
This passage is a communal lament, a communal prayer for God to deliver his people. Three times in this passage the psalmist repeats the refrain, "Restore us O God; let your face shine that we might be saved." The phrase, "Let your face shine," literally means, "smile on us." The psalm is asking God to turn away his displeasure and smile on them again so that they can be restored.
Spiritual Practices: Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina, or Diving Reading, is a method of reading, reflecting on, and praying the Scripture that has been used by the church for centuries. It focuses on communing with God in Scripture rather than simply studying Scripture for intellectual understanding. Click here for more information on how to practice Lectio Divina. Here are some suggested verses in this passage that may lend themselves to conversation with God through the practice of Lectio Divina.
Suggested Verses
Restore us, O God;
let your face shine, that we may be saved!
O Lord God of hosts,
how long will you be angry with your people's prayers?
You have fed them with the bread of tears
and given them tears to drink in full measure.
You make us an object of contention for our neighbors,
and our enemies laugh among themselves.
Restore us, O God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved!
(Psalm 80:3-7)
Lectio Divina, or Diving Reading, is a method of reading, reflecting on, and praying the Scripture that has been used by the church for centuries. It focuses on communing with God in Scripture rather than simply studying Scripture for intellectual understanding. Click here for more information on how to practice Lectio Divina. Here are some suggested verses in this passage that may lend themselves to conversation with God through the practice of Lectio Divina.
Suggested Verses
Restore us, O God;
let your face shine, that we may be saved!
O Lord God of hosts,
how long will you be angry with your people's prayers?
You have fed them with the bread of tears
and given them tears to drink in full measure.
You make us an object of contention for our neighbors,
and our enemies laugh among themselves.
Restore us, O God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved!
(Psalm 80:3-7)