Restoration
Monday’s Verse:
From Psalm 80:19 ESV
“Restore us, O Lord God of hosts! Let your face shine, that we may be saved!”
“Restore us.” When we read this Psalm, the opening cry of verse 19 reminds us of God’s gracious love towards us. When we are struggling and hurt, we go to our Father in heaven in prayer, asking for restoration from the effects of life's challenges. This verse points us directly to Jesus.
In Christ, God has let His face shine upon us—not because we have earned His favor, but because Christ has borne our sin, conquered death, and reconciled us to the Father. On the cross, Jesus entered the darkness of our brokenness so that we might live in the light of God’s mercy.
When we are weary, spiritually depressed, and are aware of our failures, this prayer remains ours: “Restore us.” The Lord answers by returning us again and again to His promises in Word and Sacrament. In Baptism, He names us His own. In the preached Gospel, He speaks forgiveness. In Holy Communion, Christ gives us His body and blood for the forgiveness of our sins.
We do not save ourselves by trying harder. We are saved because God’s face shines upon us in Jesus Christ.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
Lord God of hosts, restore us when we wander and strengthen us when we grow weary. Let the light of Your mercy shine upon us through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Keep us trusting in Your forgiveness and living in the joy of Your grace. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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