In A.W. Tozer’s sermon, “The New Year As God Sees It,” Tozer references Psalm 85, a prayer for God to revive his people from spiritual apathy.

 “Will You not Yourself revive us again,
That Your people may rejoice in You?
Show us Your lovingkindness, O Lord,
And grant us Your salvation.” (vs. 6-7)

The 17th-century English statesman Oliver Cromwell shared this passage with Parliament as an expression of his desire for his nation: that, as a result of their devotion to the Almighty, righteousness might reign in England and that a happier, more harmonious age of peace might come to the land.

 The commentator Max Anders offers these inspiring words as we embark on another year:

“What Oliver Cromwell longed for England—a day when righteousness and peace would meet and kiss—so believers today should pray for as well. They should intercede and petition God for such a time of revival in their lives, ministries, and churches. Spiritual awakening is the need of every believer in every generation. This present hour is no different. Only God can send such a time of spiritual restoration and renewal to his people. That is why we must pray, as did the psalmist, that God in his grace will revive us again. May God’s people pray this psalm afresh in these days and ask God to stir the hearts of his people again.”

Happy New Year!