Let Your Face Shine Upon Me

April 13, 2019

DAILY READING

Psalm 31:9-16
This weekend’s reading: Luke 23:32-43

FIELD NOTES

Psalm 31:16 says, “Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.” According to the Wesley Study Bible, “God’s ‘face’ is the divine presence that signifies protection for those upon whom it shines.”
 
As a high school student, my youth group ended every gathering by clasping hands and reciting Numbers 6:24-26: “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” It was a blessing we gave to each other as we departed, praying for one another before we would meet again. To this day, when I’m feeling defeated or downtrodden like the psalmist, I can picture God turning toward me with a shining face, reminding me that I belong to God and God will not forsake me.

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD 

• Describe what it feels like to have God’s face shine upon you. Where can you go to experience this?

FAMILY FIELD TALK 

• What do you think God’s face looks like?
• Describe God’s shining face.

PRAYER GUIDE

Holy One, shine your face upon us and give us peace. In the name of your Holy Son, Amen.