Hello friends and welcome to this Lectio Divina on Psalm 46.
As we come towards the words of this Psalm,
Allow yourself a few moments to settle in,
Finding a comfortable position,
Letting your shoulders relax.
Noticing any places of tension,
Of tightness,
Of gripping,
And releasing if possible.
As you gently and slowly come to stillness,
Begin to notice your breath,
Following the inhale and the exhale.
Welcome this opportunity to let go of the day so far,
Of all the things on your to-do list,
Of all the demands,
Of the worries and anxieties of life.
And simply be here in this moment,
Fully welcome,
Fully seen and known,
Fully loved.
I'm going to read this Psalm three times.
As I read it this first time,
Simply let the words come,
Without attaching to any in particular.
The Beloved is our refuge and our strength,
A loving presence in times of trouble.
Therefore we need not fear,
Though the earth should change,
Though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea,
Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
There is a river whose streams make loud the holy city,
The holy habitation of the Most High.
The Beloved is in the midst of it,
It shall not be moved.
Our loving Creator is an ever-present help.
The nations may be at war,
Countries left in ruins.
Yet is the voice of the Almighty heard,
Slowly breaking through hearts of stone.
The Beloved is ever with us,
The infinite heart of love.
Come behold the works of the Beloved,
How love does reign even in humanity's desolation.
For the Beloved yearns for wars to cease,
Shining light into fearful hearts,
Loving even those who oppress the weak,
Refining hearts of steel.
Be still and know that I am love.
Awaken,
Befriend justice and mercy,
Do you not know you bear my love?
Who among you will respond?
O blessed one,
You know all hearts,
You are ever with us,
May love ever guide our lives.
On this second reading I invite you to notice any words or phrases that capture your attention.
The Beloved is our refuge and our strength,
A loving presence in times of trouble.
Therefore we need not fear,
Though the earth should change,
Though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea,
Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
There is a river whose streams make glad the holy city,
The holy habitation of the Most High.
The Beloved is in the midst of it,
It shall not be moved,
Our loving Creator is an ever-present help.
The nations may be at war,
Countries left in ruins,
Yet is the voice of the Almighty heard,
Slowly breaking through hearts of stone.
The Beloved is ever with us,
The infinite heart of love.
Come behold the works of the Beloved,
How love does reign even in humanity's desolation.
For the Beloved yearns for wars to cease,
Shining light into fearful hearts,
Loving even those who oppress the weak,
Refining hearts of steel.
Be still and know that I am love.
Awaken,
Befriend justice and mercy,
Do you not know you bear my love?
Who among you will respond?
O blessed one,
You know all hearts,
You are ever with us,
May love ever guide our lives.
On this third and final reading,
I invite you to welcome the words and phrases that stood out to you,
To bring their gift.
To meet you where you need them,
To bring you what you need,
To minister to you in the deeper parts of yourself.
The Beloved is our refuge and our strength,
A loving presence in times of trouble.
Therefore we need not fear,
Though the earth should change,
Though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea,
Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
There is a river whose streams make glad the holy city,
The holy habitation of the Most High.
The Beloved is in the midst of it,
It shall not be moved.
Our loving Creator is an ever-present help.
The nations may be at war,
Countries left in ruins,
Yet is the voice of the Almighty heard,
Slowly breaking through hearts of stone.
The Beloved is ever with us,
The infinite heart of love.
Come,
Behold the works of the Beloved.
How love does reign even in humanity's desolation.
For the Beloved yearns for wars to cease,
Shining light into fearful hearts,
Loving even those who oppress the weak,
Refining hearts of steel.
Be still and know that I am love.
Awaken,
Befriend justice and mercy.
Do you not know,
You bear my love,
Who among you will respond?
O blessed one,
You know all hearts,
You are ever with us.
May love ever guide our lives.
Be blessed my friends,
Go with hope,
Go with love,
Go with grace and great tenderness.
Amen.
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