Psalm 85 is a prayer for a community that has come back from failure. The psalmist remembers what God has already done for his people, asks him to restore them again, and looks forward to a land where mercy, truth, righteousness and peace live together. These questions are built for a small group, a Sunday class, or a quiet personal study. Each set moves from what the text says, to what it means, to how you might live it this week.
Psalm 85 at a Glance
The psalm opens by recalling God’s past favor toward the land of Israel, including the restoration of Jacob’s fortunes and the forgiveness of sin. The writer then shifts into a plea: he asks God to turn back from his anger and revive his people once more. The middle of the psalm turns toward God’s answer, a promise of peace spoken to the faithful.
The final verses paint a picture of a restored land in which personified qualities meet and embrace, and the psalm ends with the image of righteousness walking ahead of God to prepare his way. Leaders can use the questions below in order, or pick the set that fits the time and the group.
Observation Questions
Use this set first, before anyone offers an opinion. Ask the group to point to words and phrases in the text and resist explaining them yet. Let people notice repeated words, shifts in tone and who is speaking to whom.
Psalm 85:1-3
1 The LORD, you have been favorable to your land. You have restored the fortunes of Jacob. 2 You have forgiven the iniquity of your people. You have covered all their sin. Selah. 3 You have taken away all your wrath. You have turned from the fierceness of your anger.
(WEB)
Read this first to ground the group in God’s past faithfulness. Hearing the list of completed actions sets the tone for the whole psalm and reminds people that prayer begins with gratitude.
Psalm 85:6
Won’t you revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?
(WEB)
This single question is short enough to be remembered and honest enough to voice real longing. Reading it aloud gives people permission to ask God to revive them without hiding their desire.
Psalm 85:8
I will hear what God, the LORD, will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, his saints; but let them not turn again to folly.
(WEB)
Reading this verse helps the group hear that God speaks peace to his people. It also brings the warning about folly into the room, which fits well with a session that involves listening and response.
Psalm 85:10
Mercy and truth meet together. Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
(WEB)
The image of mercy and truth meeting is the heart of the psalm. Read it slowly, pausing between each quality, so that the group can picture the four qualities coming together.
Psalm 85:11-13
11 Truth springs out of the earth. Righteousness has looked down from heaven. 12 Yes, the LORD will give that which is good. Our land will yield its increase. 13 Righteousness goes before him, And prepares the way for his steps.
(WEB)
End the reading on this strong note of fruitfulness and preparation. It leaves the group with a hopeful picture of a land that yields good things and a God whose righteousness goes ahead of him.
Memory Verse for Psalm 85
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we come to you as a people who have often wandered and who need your restoring hand. We thank you for the mercy you have already shown us and the sins you have covered. Turn us back to yourself, revive what has grown cold among us, and show us your steadfast love. Teach us to listen for your peace and to turn away from folly. Let mercy and truth meet in our homes and churches, and let righteousness go before us to prepare the way for you. Amen.
