Psalm 85. A Prayer for the Nation’s Welfare.

Lord, you have been merciful to your land;
you have made Israel prosperous again.

2 You have forgiven your people’s sins
and pardoned all their wrongs.

3 You stopped being angry with them
and held back your furious rage.

4 Bring us back, O God our savior,
and stop being displeased with us!

5 Will you be angry with us forever?
Will your anger never cease?

6 Make us strong again,
and we, your people, will praise you.

7 Show us your constant love, O Lord,
and give us your saving help.

8 I am listening to what the Lord God is saying;
he promises peace to us, his own people,
if we do not go back to our foolish ways.

9 Surely he is ready to save those who honor him,
and his saving presence will remain in our land.