Psalm 104, Part 1: A Lectio Divina

A gentle meditation reading Psalm 104 from Nan Merrill's Psalms for Praying. Before beginning, there is time to settle and come to stillness, then the Psalm is read through once, with a few verses read twice more. There is an opportunity to welcome the words or phrases that stand out to you to be received deeply and offer their gift.

This version of the Psalms is not a direct translation but is kind, gentle, and intimate.

Transcript

Hello friends and welcome to psalm 104. I'm breaking this psalm into two parts because it's a long psalm and on this first part I'm going to read all of it once and return to a few verses twice more. Before we come to the psalm I invite you to gather into this moment. To gather in from the day so far and from what's coming next. To let yourself be in your body. To notice your breathing. To let yourself soften and sink. And to begin to open within yourself to these words. To anything that the beloved wants to offer you through this Lectio Divina. In this moment know yourself found. Know yourself deeply and tenderly loved. Welcome stillness and rest and peace. Welcome stillness and rest and peace. The first part of psalm 104 all the way through. Bless the radiant one O my soul. O heart of my heart you are so very great. You are clothed with justice and mercy. Arrayed in light as your fine attire. You stretch over the heavens like a tent. Your radiance covering the waters. You shine through the clouds and ride on the wings of the wind. The wind like the breath of life carries your voice. Fire refines the dross of our souls. You set the earth on its foundations strong and secure. You covered it with the deep like a garment. With many waters that life might come forth. At your word the waters divided. Becoming rivers and lakes and mighty oceans. Storms came to ensure the balance and to renew the earth. The mountains rose the valleys became low. In the places that you did appoint. You brought harmony to all the earth that life might spring forth in abundance. You created springs to flow into the valleys. They flow between the hills giving drink to every creature of the field. Quenching their thirst as your living water quenches ours. With the air you have given birds their habitation. They sing among the branches. The majesty of creation is seen throughout the land. The sounds of creation mingle with the music of spheres. Through your love grass came forth for the cattle and plants for us to cultivate. That we might have food from the earth and wine, The fruit of the vine, Oil and healing herbs of many varieties and bread our daily sustenance. The trees are watered abundantly and with the sun provide the air we breathe. Every living creature has its home. The birds nest in trees, The wild goats upon the mountaintop. Even the rocks provide protection. You created the moon to mark the tides and seasons. The sun that rises and sets in beauty. In the darkness when night comes the creatures of the forest roam the earth. They eat their fill each according to their need. You provide their food. When the sun rises they disappear from sight and lie down in their dens. As your people go forth to their work you are there to guide them. Returning now to a few verses twice more. As I read these words now notice any that capture your attention. You created springs to flow into the valleys. They flow between the hills giving drink to every creature of the field. Quenching their thirst as your living water quenches ours. With the air you have given birds their habitation. They sing among the branches. The majesty of creation is seen throughout the land. The sounds of creation mingle with the music of spheres. On this final reading welcome the words or phrases that captured you to bring their gift. Become aware of your response of the invitation contained in them of the blessing that they're offering you at this time. You created springs to flow into the valleys. They flow between the hills giving drink to every creature of the field. Quenching their thirst as your living water quenches ours. With the air you have given birds their habitation. They sing among the branches. The majesty of creation is seen throughout the land. The sounds of creation mingle with the music of spheres. My friends may these words continue to be a blessing and a gift to you. May you know hope in these turbulent times. May you be presenced by the peace and rest of the beloved and know yourself deeply loved. Amen.

Reviews

Thank you for sharing the awe-filled gifts of our Creator! Now I’m ready to meet the day with a smile. ☀️💦🦋🎶🪷

The nature images here speak to me deeply, both literally and metaphorically. Gratitude for the gifts of our planet and hopes that we can love it back into wellness. And the lessons of the natural world offer strength and solidity and then the call to let go and surrender ( which is sometimes hard for me!).
Thank you as always Nicky for sharing your teachings with us here on IT, and Blessings 🌳🕊️

Your beautiful reading of this psalm serves as a reminder that our God spoke the universe into being 🙏🏻
We are blessed by the glory of all creation. All praise to the Father.
Looking forward to part 2!