Psalm 85
Words: From Sing Psalms (Free Church of Scotland)
Music: Any 8787 or 8787D tune could be used. We have paired these words with the tune from the song “The Night Song” (City Alight and Colin Buchanan). Use the video to learn the tune, then try to sing the Psalm 85 words while the video is playing.
Note how the song ends - with the chorus sung twice, then the last line repeated. We are doing something similar using fresh words written at the end of the Psalm.
In times past, LORD, you showed favour
to your own beloved land;
The prosperity of Jacob
you restored by your strong hand.
You forgave your people’s trespass;
you were pleased their sins to hide.
You withdrew all your displeasure;
from your wrath you turned aside.
God our Saviour, now restore us;
from us turn away your rage.
Will your anger burn against us?
Will it last from age to age?
Will you not again revive us,
that we may rejoice in you?
Show us, LORD, your covenant mercy;
your salvation grant anew.
I will hear what God the LORD says:
to his saints he offers peace;
But his people must not wander
and return to foolishness.
Surely for all those who fear him
his salvation is at hand,
So that once again his glory
may be seen within our land.
Love and truth have met together;
righteousness and peace embrace.
Righteousness looks down from heaven;
from the earth springs faithfulness.
What is good the LORD will give us,
and our land its fruit will bear.
Righteousness will go before him
and his royal way prepare.
Gracious Spirit, come revive us!
Jesus, save us by your hand!
God our Father, show your glory
once again within our land,
once again within our land.