Behold the Face

Small Groups

Fellowship – Snacks or a Meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer if there is a meal).

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, have participants answer, "What kinds of conversations do you like to have 'face-to-face'? Why is that?"

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes). You may not get through all the questions in your time together. Consider inviting group members to work through any remaining questions on their own throughout the week.

• Read Psalm 17:1-7, 15 aloud. Invite participants to listen for ways the psalmist pays attention to God. Encourage group members to have the scripture in front of them, either in a Bible, on a phone app, or printed on paper.
  • This passage shares a "bodily" way of conversation between the psalmist and God. Identify the various "physical" interactions described in this passage.
  • What do you think is at the heart of what the psalmist is saying in these verses?
• Share with participants the context of Genesis 32:22-31. Jacob deceived both his twin brother, Esau, and his father, Issac, to receive the birthright blessing that conventionally should have gone to Esau (Genesis 25-27). This passage depicts Jacob's interaction with a mysterious "man" as he prepares to meet Esau for the first time after the stolen blessing. Read Genesis 32:22-31 aloud. Encourage group members to have the scripture in front of them, either in a Bible, on a phone app, or printed on paper.
  • What does this encounter tell you about Jacob?
  • In this story, Jacob is given a new name, "Israel," which means "The one who strives with God" or "God strives." Jacob names the place, "Peniel," meaning, "The face of God." While we don't expect to encounter God physically in this way, how does this encounter give insight into God's presence?
• Read Psalm 17:15 again. What do you think it means to "behold" God's face "in righteousness"?

• The following includes some ways people might describe experiencing God's presence.

  • Identify which of these resonate with you:
    • An inner "knowing."
    • Thoughts that align with scripture or things you know about God.
    • Joy/peace/confidence around something that has been troubling you.
    • Experiencing nature.
    • Clarity in your spirit.
    • Connection with another person, place, or encounter in a way that defies explanation.
    • Reconciliation with God/forgiveness for sins.
    • Unexplainable love.
    • Something else?
  • What questions do you have about God's presence?
  • How do you experience God's presence in your life most often?

  
  The Preaching Notes for August 2 say:

  "Here is a key piece to seeing the face of God and finding the strength to praise at all times. We can't wait; we don't wait until all is well before we seek God's face. We don't wait until all the pieces are in place, or the coast is clear, and the living is easy. No, we go; we seek; we praise when we feel threatened and when we feel secure. We praise when we feel satisfied and when we are unsettled. That's the beauty of praise. It comes from many sources within us. It carries many moods. Read through the psalms and find an emotion not contained there. It is difficult. Yet they are all invitations to praise."

• How often do you feel the impulse to praise God?
• Just One Thing: What is one thing for which you can praise God?
• Going Deeper on Your Own: This week, consider studying one of the other lectionary texts in the following pattern:
  • Prayerfully ask God to open your eyes to the scripture. (Psalm 119:18)
  • Read the text of your choice (Isaiah 55:1-5, Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21) out loud.
  • What do you notice about the text?
  • What questions arise?
  • What do you think God might be saying to you in this text?

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). End with the following prayer, a similar prayer, or the Lord's Prayer:

O God, we call upon you and trust that you hear our prayers. Will you make us aware of your presence this week? Even now, will you give us insight into what it means to walk in your ways and encounter you? We want to be people of praise who give thanks to you and honor your name in every circumstance. Thank you for your willingness to meet us face-to-face. May we do the same. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

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Rev. Dr. Ashlee Alley Crawford, Director of Adult Discipleship, an elder in the Great Plains Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, served in campus ministry for twelve years and in leadership with the Great Plains Conference for over a decade. She has a passion for connecting people with resources and encouraging them to nurture their faith and walk in step with Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. She has a D.Min. in spiritual direction from Asbury Theological Seminary. Ashlee also has a Certificate in Discipleship Coaching through Discipleship Ministries.