Hello and welcome to this Lectio Divina on Psalm 61.
I want to give you a few moments to arrive and settle in.
So make yourself comfortable.
Gather yourself in from the day and from what's to come.
And simply as you breathe,
As you arrive,
Let yourself be here.
In these moments nothing is demanded or required.
You are free to be present.
Know that this space is safe and that love is here as a companion.
That the Beloved is with you.
That you are seen and deeply known,
Fully accepted.
Take some deeper,
Wider breaths.
Allow your body to sink,
To be held and supported.
I'm going to read this Psalm three times.
And on this first reading simply let the words come without attaching to any in particular.
Psalm 61.
Hear my cry,
O merciful one,
Listen to my prayer.
From the depths of my being I call to you,
For my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock that is my strength,
For you alone are my refuge.
Your steadfast love conquers my fears.
Let me dwell in your heart forever.
O,
To be safe under the shelter of your wings.
For with tender love you have heard my prayers.
You have shown me the heritage of those who know your love and friendship.
Committed to my birthright I will serve you in this world and in the unseen realm of love.
As I walk on your path forever,
You fill me with abiding love,
Gentle joy,
Deep peace and wisdom.
I shall sing praises and blessings to your name as I abandon myself into your heart moment by moment.
For you are the love and mind of our galaxy.
As I read the Psalm again notice what words or phrases capture your attention.
Hear my cry,
O merciful one,
Listen to my prayer.
From the depths of my being I call to you,
For my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock that is my strength,
For you alone are my refuge.
Your steadfast love conquers my fears.
Let me dwell in your heart forever.
O,
To be safe under the shelter of your wings.
For with tender love you have heard my prayers.
You have shown me the heritage of those who know your love and friendship.
Committed to my birthright I will serve you in this world and in the unseen realm of love.
As I walk on your path forever,
You fill me with abiding love,
Gentle joy,
Deep peace and wisdom.
I shall sing praises and blessings to your name as I abandon myself into your heart moment by moment.
For you are the love and mind of our galaxy.
On this third and final reading,
Notice what it is that those words or phrases are bringing you.
How do you want to respond to them?
How do they make you feel?
Are they meeting a need,
A desire?
Are they offering you hope or reassurance?
Welcome the gift that they are to you at this time.
Hear my cry,
O Merciful One.
Listen to my prayer.
From the depths of my being I call to you,
For my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock that is my strength,
For you alone are my refuge.
Your steadfast love conquers my fears.
Let me dwell in your heart forever.
O to be safe under the shelter of your wings,
For with tender love you have heard my prayers.
You have shown me the heritage of those who know your love and friendship.
Committed to my birthright,
I will serve you in this world and in the unseen realm of love.
As I walk on your path forever,
You fill me with abiding love,
Gentle joy,
Deep peace and wisdom.
I shall sing praises and blessings to your name as I abandon myself into your heart moment by moment.
For you are the love and mind of our galaxy.
Turn to these words again if you want to.
They are rich with meaning,
Comfort and hope.
Linger a while with them.
Journal perhaps your thoughts and responses.
And as I leave you,
May you be filled with abiding love,
Gentle joy,
Deep peace and wisdom.
Amen.
