Seeking God’s Face: The Restoring Face of God. Advent retreat part 3

The scripture texts for this session are: Isa. 61: 1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126, and Luke 1: 46-55.

Advent 2020
Session 3 ~ For Further Reflection: “The Restoring Face of God”

1) Are you experiencing God’s restoring face turned toward you? If so, describe how this feels, using heart language.

2) When have you experienced God restoration within you? Describe the experience. Now describe how this feels, using heart language.

3) When have you witnessed God restoring your neighborhood, your community? Ponder the answer that arises. Talk with God about the answer.

4) Spend time reflecting on your answers. What is being revealed? Is there an invitation emerging?

5) Offer this prayer:
Restoring God, I bring to you my concerns
(offer prayers of concern):
My broken relationships need mending—
With neighbors across the street and around the world.
My body needs healing, and my mind needs restoring.
My town (city or country) needs fresh vision and new hope.
I long for all people to rebuild the ancient ruins,
to create communities of justice and peace.
Restoring God, I look to you as my architect, my master rebuilder.

Restoring God, I bring to you my joys
(offer prayers of praise):
My home can be filled with laughter and love.
My community can be repaired and thrive.
Wars can cease and peace can reign.
Although I have cried many tears—for myself, for my friends,
and for those I hear about in the news,
you promise to bring me home with shouts of joy. AMEN
(Adapted from Leader Magazine, Fall 2008, MennoMedia)

6) Conclude with this blessing:
As you go, praise God!
Open your life to God’s restoring Spirit
and scatter seeds of healing and hope.
God will restore you.
God’s face will shine on you, and you will be saved.
(ibid)

Seeking God’s Face: The Comforting Face of God. Advent retreat part 2

Session 2~For Further Reflection: “The Comforting Face of God”


1) Are you experiencing God’s comforting face toward you? If so, describe how this feels, using heart language.


2) When have you experienced God comforting you? Describe the experience. Now describe how this feels, using heart language.


3) Can you truly trust God with yourself? Ponder the answer that arises. Talk with God about the answer.


4) Spend time reflecting on your answers. What is being revealed?


5) Offer this prayer:
Comforting God, I bring to you my concerns
(offer prayers of concern):
speak tenderly to me; speak to the fading and withered places;
speak comfort to broken bodies, minds, and relationships.
I long to see valleys lifted up and mountains made low
so I might walk on straight paths,
confident in your forgiveness,
and ready to hear your words of love and peace.
Comforting God, I bring to you my joys
(offer prayers of praise):
I revel in the joy of your embrace.
When I see good things spring up from the ground, I say,
“Here is my God!”
When I hear voices of comfort and wisdom, I say,
“Here is my God!”
I live in thankfulness, knowing that you walk with me. AMEN
(Adapted from Leader Magazine, Fall 2008, MennoMedia)


6) Conclude with this blessing:
As you go, know that God holds you securely and tenderly.
Live justly and seek the ways of peace.
God will restore you.
God’s face will shine on you, and you will be saved.
(ibid)

Seeking God’s Face: The Hidden Face of God. Advent retreat part 1

June is sharing an online Advent retreat with videos and reflection questions posted each Wednesday in Advent.

Questions For Further Reflection

1) Are you experiencing God’s face hidden from you? If so, describe how this feels, using heart language.

2) When have you experienced God’s “shining, shimmering face?” Describe the experience. Now describe how this feels, using heart language.

3) Or, would you rather remain hidden from God? If so, describe this desire and how does it impact your life?

4) Spend time reflecting on your answers. What is being revealed?

5) Offer this prayer:
Hidden God, I bring to you my concerns
(offer prayers of concern):
For the darkness of waiting,
Of not knowing what is to come,
Of staying ready and quiet and attentive,
I praise you, O God.

Hidden God, I bring to you my joys
(offer prayers of praise):
For the darkness of hoping
In a world which longs for you,
For the wrestling and laboring of all creation
For wholeness and justice and freedom,
I praise you, O God. AMEN
(adapted from Janet Morley, All Desires Known, pp. 58-59)

6) Conclude with this blessing:
As you go, know that God is faithful in your darkness.
God is as near to you as a loving parent
And molds you according to the divine purpose.
God will restore you.
God’s face will shine on you, and you will be saved.
(from Leader Magazine, Fall 2008, MennoMedia)