The Rev. Anthony Rivera, Associate Director of Admissions at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

Scripture

Psalm 85

1   LORD, you were favorable to your land;
          you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
2   You forgave the iniquity of your people;
          you pardoned all their sin. Selah
3   You withdrew all your wrath;
          you turned from your hot anger.
4   Restore us again, O God of our salvation,
          and put away your indignation toward us.
5   Will you be angry with us forever?
          Will you prolong your anger to all generations?
6   Will you not revive us again,
          so that your people may rejoice in you?
7   Show us your steadfast love, O LORD,
          and grant us your salvation.
8   Let me hear what God the LORD will speak,
          for he will speak peace to his people,
          to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.
9   Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him,
          that his glory may dwell in our land.
10  Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;
          righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
11  Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,
          and righteousness will look down from the sky.
12  The LORD will give what is good,
          and our land will yield its increase.
13  Righteousness will go before him,
          and will make a path for his steps.

Devotional

When a people are mindful of God’s acts in history, they remember God’s favor, restorative power, forgiveness and pardon, a sense of revival and renewal, and a profound conviction of receiving unmerited mercy and salvation.

Recalling God’s past actions with Israel at a time when, possibly, the nation had returned to the homeland after 70 years in exile the psalmist lifts up a corporate prayer, for revival, restoration, and a relationship of reconciliation with God.

As the global community awaits the arrival of the Christ this Advent season, may we also recall God’s actions of favor, in spite of our ways. Like the psalmist, let us lift up our hearts in prayer for renewal, revival, restoration, and reconciliation with God and with one another. In the birth of the Child, humanity is reminded God’s acts are always merciful. May we turn our hearts toward God.

Prayer

Gracious God, as I read the words of the psalmist, I am reminded of your mercy, grace, and unmerited favor. In the birth of your Son, I also see your act of mercy and unmerited favor. In comparison, I see the many times I have turned my back on you. For that, I am sorry. As I wait that special moment in human history, restore, revive, and renew me so that I may be able to share with the world the great news of your kingdom. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.

The Rev. Anthony Rivera, Associate Director of Admissions at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

Scripture

Psalm 85

1   LORD, you were favorable to your land;
          you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
2   You forgave the iniquity of your people;
          you pardoned all their sin. Selah
3   You withdrew all your wrath;
          you turned from your hot anger.
4   Restore us again, O God of our salvation,
          and put away your indignation toward us.
5   Will you be angry with us forever?
          Will you prolong your anger to all generations?
6   Will you not revive us again,
          so that your people may rejoice in you?
7   Show us your steadfast love, O LORD,
          and grant us your salvation.
8   Let me hear what God the LORD will speak,
          for he will speak peace to his people,
          to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.
9   Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him,
          that his glory may dwell in our land.
10  Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;
          righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
11  Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,
          and righteousness will look down from the sky.
12  The LORD will give what is good,
          and our land will yield its increase.
13  Righteousness will go before him,
          and will make a path for his steps.

Devotional

When a people are mindful of God’s acts in history, they remember God’s favor, restorative power, forgiveness and pardon, a sense of revival and renewal, and a profound conviction of receiving unmerited mercy and salvation.

Recalling God’s past actions with Israel at a time when, possibly, the nation had returned to the homeland after 70 years in exile the psalmist lifts up a corporate prayer, for revival, restoration, and a relationship of reconciliation with God.

As the global community awaits the arrival of the Christ this Advent season, may we also recall God’s actions of favor, in spite of our ways. Like the psalmist, let us lift up our hearts in prayer for renewal, revival, restoration, and reconciliation with God and with one another. In the birth of the Child, humanity is reminded God’s acts are always merciful. May we turn our hearts toward God.

Prayer

Gracious God, as I read the words of the psalmist, I am reminded of your mercy, grace, and unmerited favor. In the birth of your Son, I also see your act of mercy and unmerited favor. In comparison, I see the many times I have turned my back on you. For that, I am sorry. As I wait that special moment in human history, restore, revive, and renew me so that I may be able to share with the world the great news of your kingdom. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.