Contemplative Prayer With Psalm 139

Praying with Psalm 139 will awaken, renew and deepen your connection with God and your true self. Lectio Divina is an ancient way of praying with scripture in the Judeo-Christian tradition where the passage is read several times allowing the words, meaning and intention to transform and heal. Open English Bible Translation
Copyright (c) 2018 Maria Gullo

Transcript

In this Lectio Divina way of praying with scripture,

I'll read the passage four times with guidance and silence between each reading for your prayerful reflection.

Now it is time.

It's time to rest and consent to the healing presence of God within through the written and spoken words of this scripture,

Psalm 139.

With eyes closed,

Sit comfortably yet attentively,

Relaxing your body with each gentle inhale and exhale.

Let us enter into the inner room of Christ.

Receive and believe.

Most high God,

You search me.

You know me better than I even know myself.

You know all my ways,

My thoughts,

Even the words I speak when I sit,

When I rise,

When I walk or lie down.

You surround me and shield me.

You lay your hand upon me and it's truly amazing and beyond my understanding how deeply you know and love me.

Where could I go that your spirit isn't with me?

Could I ever escape your watchful,

Loving presence?

If I ascend into heaven,

You are there,

Or make my bed in the depths of despair,

You are there with me.

Your hand will hold me tight as your right hand guides me through the night.

Even if I find myself in darkness and would try to hide,

The dark is not dark for you.

Even the night is as light as the day.

For you formed my inmost being.

You knit me together in my mother's womb.

I give you thanks,

For I am wonderfully made.

In the depth of the womb you ordained my life,

You see only your beloved when you see me.

Search me,

My God,

For you know my heart.

Take away my anxious thoughts and remove any offensive way.

Lead me on your path forever.

After this first reading,

What word,

Or perhaps a phrase in particular,

Caught your attention?

As you reflect on it,

What is stirring in you?

Remember yourself,

Speak it out loud.

My most high God.

You search me,

You know me,

Better than I even know myself.

You know all my ways,

My thoughts,

Even the words I speak,

When I sit,

When I rise,

When I walk,

When I lie down.

You surround me and you shield me.

You lay your hand upon me,

And it's truly amazing and beyond my understanding how deeply you know and love me.

Where could I go that your spirit isn't with me?

Could I ever escape your watchful,

Loving presence?

If I ascend into heaven,

You are there,

Or make my bed in the depths of despair,

You are there with me.

Your hand will hold me tight,

As your right hand guides me even through the night.

If I find myself in darkness and would try to hide,

The dark is not dark for you.

Even the night is as light as the day.

For you formed my inmost being.

You knit me together in my mother's womb.

I give you thanks for them wonderfully made,

And in the depth of the womb you ordained my life.

You see only your beloved when you see me.

So search me,

My God,

For you know my heart,

You know my whole being.

Take away my anxious thoughts,

Remove any offensive way in me,

And lead me on your path forever.

Hear this reading,

What are you noticing now?

What is the movement within you?

What's the spirit revealing to you?

Again,

You may speak it out loud,

Hear the words on your lips,

And sensing them in your heart.

Next high God,

You search me,

You know me,

Better than I even know myself.

You know all my ways,

My thoughts,

Even the words I speak.

You know when I sit,

When I rise,

When I walk or lie down.

You surround me and shield me.

You lay your hand upon me,

And it's truly amazing and beyond my understanding how deeply you know and love me.

Where could I go that your spirit isn't with me?

Could I ever escape your watchful loving presence?

If I ascend into heaven you are there,

Or if I make my bed in the depths of despair you are there with me.

Your hand will hold me tight as your right hand guides me even through the night.

If I find myself in darkness and would try to hide,

The dark is not dark for you,

Even the night is as light as the day.

For you formed my inmost being,

You knit me together in my mother's womb.

I give you thanks,

For I am wonderfully made.

In the depth of the womb you ordained my life.

You see only your beloved when you see me.

Search me,

My God,

For you know my heart.

Take away my anxious thoughts and remove any offensive way and lead me on your path forever.

And as you let these words sink deeper into you,

What is your response?

What is your desire or longing?

What is your prayer?

What do you need from God?

Most high God,

You search me,

You know me,

Better than I even know myself.

You know all my ways,

My thoughts,

Even the words I speak,

When I sit,

When I rise,

When I walk or lie down.

You surround me and you shield me.

You lay your hand upon me.

It's truly amazing and beyond my understanding how deeply you know and love me.

Where could I go that your spirit isn't with me?

Could I ever escape your watchful loving presence?

If I ascend into heaven,

You are there,

Or if I make my bed in the depths of despair,

You are there with me.

Your hand will hold me tight as your right hand guides me through the night.

Even if I find myself in darkness and would try to hide,

The dark is not dark for you.

Even the night is as light as the day.

For you formed my inmost being.

You knit me together in my mother's womb.

I give you thanks,

For I am wonderfully made,

And in the depth of the womb you ordained my life.

You see only your beloved when you see me.

Reach me,

My God,

For you know my heart and my being.

Take away my anxious thoughts.

Remove any offensive way and lead me on your path forever.

And now,

What word,

What phrase,

Image,

Or understanding is resonating within you?

Breathe with it.

Let it remain with you throughout your day.

May the Spirit of the Living God fall fresh on you,

Remind you of who you truly are,

Fully known and loved,

And may the Spirit bring you everlasting peace and joy.

Let it be so.

Amen.

Reviews

Beautiful, I love this format of praying with scripture. Thank you, Maria.

Beautiful Word of God delivered in a calming peaceful manner with guidance & time for personal reflection- loved it!

Thank you for the wonderful gift of guidance in meaningful prayer. May God’s peace be with you.

I just love your voice and spirit infused leading. Thanks

Beautiful! I love this prayer style, thank you for introducing it to me

Each time I heard something new. You have such a way, your energy captivating. Thank you for speading His LoVE!

My first time doing a prayer like this. I truly enjoyed the connection it brought.

Another great prayer meditation from my favourite teacher 🙏🏻

🙏 🙏

🙏💝

Very good! Each reading felt more personal and the I matter, am known by God.

This is a nice way to pray- meditate for everyone. Thank you

Beautifully read Maria. Psalm 139 is my favorite. God bless you and all who hear it.

I love Lectio Divino and Psalms 135 is perfect for reflection. Thank you so much for sharing you spirit and the Word of God here. 🙏🏻

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Joy surrounds me. 🙏🏼❤️

Beautiful! Your meditations & prayers touch me deeply!

Thank you for sharing this uplifting inspirational meditation, it brings joy and peace.

Thank you Maria for guiding us in this beautiful Lectio Divina. What a lovely way to start my day. ❤️ With much gratitude 🙏, Louisa

Very moving, thank you!
I could feel all the doubt I had about myself drift away and The holy father filled my heart with love and strength xx

Truly a beautiful prayer and a good way to reflect upon oneself. Thank you. Oh btw, your voice is meant to do these prayers.