Psalm 80:1-2 Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock; shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim. In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, stir up your strength and come to help us.
There is a lovely version of this psalm that has always stirred my heart, set to music adapted from the composer Palestrina that we sing every year to begin Lessons and Carols. The psalmist cries, “Stir up your strength and come to help us.” As soon as Christmas arrives each year, we change the substance of our prayers too.
Where are the insistent cries for the return of our Lord in June? The redemption of all things on the Last Day is our deepest hope as Christians—nothing else can or will accomplish God’s purposes in and for the world. While that day will bring judgment, it will also bring mercy and healing for the nations.
Come, Lord Jesus!
MOVING FORWARD: Look through the text of an Advent hymn and use its words as your prayer during the rest of June. Pray for the return of the Lord.
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