A challenge: For a week open your prayers with this phrase:
O God, O God; let your face shine upon me (v. 3).
The image of God’s face shining upon His people illustrates relationship, blessing, and answers. See God’s face and all questions are answered. There is no better blessing than the presence of God, and our lives have meaning because by seeing His face, we know that He loves us.
Restore me, O God of hosts. Let your face shine upon me, that I may be saved (v. 7).
A story that I read decades back in a book by one of my favorite authors – a woman had gone through many trials. Sickness, the death of loved ones, friends attacking her, financial ruin – it all came at once.
As she went to sleep one night she said, “God, I want to see your face and ask you why all of this is happening.”
She was taken in a dream into the throne room of God that night.
Walking on a floor that looked like a sea of glass, with all the living creatures worshipping God, they parted as she approached God’s throne.
At the foot of the throne, she looked up and saw the Father’s face.
God said to her, “What are your questions?”
She answered, “I don’t have questions anymore!”
Restore me, O God of hosts. Let your face shine upon me that I may be saved (v. 19).
Psalm 80 is written by Asaph, the author of 12 Psalms. Asaph wrote this Psalm after the Northern Kingdom of Israel had been destroyed with many of the inhabitants taken captive by the Assyrians.
Asaph writes:
Turn again, O God of hosts! Look down from heaven and see; have regard for this vine (v. 14).
Consider your situation right now. Pray:
God, turn to me, look down from heaven, love me with grace and mercy!
Now, begin your prayers every day this week with:
O God, O God; let your face shine upon me (vv. 3, 7, and 19).