“Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation” (Psalm 85:6–7 ESV).
The sons of Korah wrote this psalm after Israel’s return from exile, reminding them that although God had restored them to the land, they were still spiritually discouraged and incomplete. They cried out for revival, asking God to bring them back to life again. The word “revive” carried the idea of renewal like spring after winter or rain after drought. This was a request for renewed spiritual vitality among a people who had grown dull and weary. Their prayer acknowledged full dependence on God, as seen in the question, “Will you not…?” They understood that revival could not be produced by human effort but must come from the Lord. They also recognized that true revival would result in rejoicing in God Himself, not merely in improved circumstances, and that it would flow from a fresh experience of His steadfast love and saving power.
We can recognize that we can be doing well outwardly while remaining spiritually dry inwardly. As individuals and as churches in our city, we need God to revive us again. We cannot manufacture spiritual awakening through programs or effort. We must cry out to the Lord with humble dependence, asking Him to renew our hearts. We long not just for better circumstances, but for deeper joy in God Himself. We desire to see His steadfast love revealed and His salvation made known in our lives, our churches, and across our land. Let us cry out to God that the gospel would go out with power and that many would be awakened to new life in Christ. Let this revival begin in us as we commit ourselves to praying for revival!
PRAYER: Dear Father, we come before You confessing our need for renewal. We ask that You would revive us again and restore our joy in You. Pour out Your steadfast love upon us and grant us Your salvation in fresh and powerful ways. Awaken our hearts, strengthen Your church in our city, and send a movement of Your Spirit across our land. Let the gospel go forth with power and bring many to life in Christ. Begin this work in us, O Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.