Hello and welcome to part two of Psalm 69.
Arriving into this space ever so gently and steadily.
Giving yourself time to settle,
To sink,
To become comfortable.
Gently allowing your heart and your body to open,
To receive these words and to let them bring their gift.
You may want to let go or place down the day so far,
To allow a few moments to be unburdened and in exchange to receive the grace to be here and now.
Know that as we come to this Lectio Divina that you are loved and that the beloved accompanies you here and is ready to offer you the gift of these words in the way that you need to receive them.
I'm going to read the whole of part two once and then come back to a few verses twice more.
Answer me,
O beloved,
For I know of your compassion.
In your abundant mercy turn toward me.
Do not hide yourself from your wayward child.
Draw near to me as in days gone by.
Redeem me,
Set me free from my fears as I repent of my erring ways.
For you know how I have strayed.
You know my feelings of guilt and my regret.
My fears are also known to you.
How small I feel when I turn to you.
You who were insulted and spit upon,
Whose heart was pierced with no one to comfort you.
They gave you no food of understanding and for your thirst they gave you vinegar to drink.
Let me come once again to your table,
Beloved.
Forgive all that separates me from you.
That I might be made whole.
Let me see with the heart's eye.
Let me hear through the heart's ear.
Give me sensitivity to hear your word and the courage to speak it.
May my home become a house of prayer.
That others might come to bask in your presence.
May those who have been oppressed and persecuted come and find safety and solace within its doors.
Increase my faith as you draw near,
Loving companion presence.
May many come to know you within their hearts.
Surprise them with the spirit of joy.
That they might be glad and rejoice.
Take heed of my affliction and pain.
Let your saving grace,
Oh beloved,
Set me on high.
I will praise your name with song.
I will magnify you with thanksgiving.
For I know this pleases you more than complaints or false promises made under duress.
Let the oppressed see and be glad.
You who seek the beloved,
Let your hearts be renewed.
For the heart of all hearts hears those in need and pours out compassion to those in bondage.
Let heaven and earth praise the creator.
The seas and all that dwell therein.
For in the most high lies our salvation,
The healing of the nations.
And we the people of the eternal one are invited.
We are called to co-creation,
To co-operation.
Thus will future generations inherit the planet renewed.
And those who live the way of love shall dwell with love forever.
Amen.
As we return to a few verses notice any words or phrases that capture your attention.
Let them come to you as a gift.
Be curious about how you're responding to them.
What they're inviting or offering you.
How they make you feel and how your body responds to them.
Let me come once again to your table beloved.
Forgive all that separates me from you.
That I might be made whole.
Let me see with the heart's eye.
Let me hear through the heart's ear.
Give me sensitivity to hear your word and the courage to speak it.
May my home become a house of prayer.
That others might come to bask in your presence.
May those who have been oppressed and persecuted come and find safety and solace within its doors.
Let me come once again to your table beloved.
Forgive all that separates me from you.
That I might be made whole.
Let me see with the heart's eye.
Let me hear through the heart's ear.
Give me sensitivity to hear your word and the courage to speak it.
May my home become a house of prayer.
That others might come to bask in your presence.
May those who have been oppressed and persecuted come and find safety and solace within its doors.
With all grace and goodness to you.
Amen.
