The words we have recorded as Psalm 80 in our Bibles are thought to have been written during the Babylonian captivity or possibly during some other time of serious distress of God’s people.  Whatever the time, it is obvious the Psalmist desired the saving power that could only come from one source.  “Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!” (Psalms 80:3)  Twice more in this same chapter these words are repeated with slight additions.  “Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved!” (Psalms 80:7)  “Restore us, O LORD God of hosts! Let your face shine, that we may be saved!” (Psalms 80:19)  Our Savior was also  persistent in His prayer to the Father. (Matthew 26:36-46)  Jesus told us to be persistent in our prayer as well when he told the parable of the widow who took her request to the judge until he gave in.  “And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.” (Luke 18:1)

Today’s reading: Jeremiah 38-40; Psalms 74, 79