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Let Your Face Shine that We May Be Saved

On Oct 14, 2010 ⋅ No comments

This meditation is based on a passage for October 14, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Psalm 80

Reflection and Question: This Psalm was written after the destruction of the Northern Kingdom. The poet speaks of Israel as a vineyard, of the planting and flourishing of the vine and then of the breaking down of the walls and cutting down of the plants. “You make us the scorn of our neighbors,” comments the Psalmist to God. And yet the refrain repeated three times expresses great faith, “Restore us, O Lord, God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.” May we join the poet here in promising, “We will never turn back from You.” Where does God’s face shine on you?

Prayer: Eternal Listener, give heed to your people, 
You, who are our Guide and our Light!
Enliven your people with compassion that peace and justice might flourish.
Restore us, O Holy One; let your face shine upon us, teach us to love!
(Nan Merrill, Psalms for Praying, p.166)

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