Welcome to this Lectio Divina on Psalm 72.
I want to give you a few moments to arrive and settle in,
Preparing yourself in any way that seems best to receive the gift of these words.
You may want to notice your body in the room or outside in the chair on the floor wherever you find yourself.
You may want to become aware of your breath following the inhale and the exhale,
Welcoming the gentle presence of peace and stillness,
Letting yourself be here just as you are,
Nothing demanded,
Nothing needed,
Simply here receiving the gift of these words.
I'm going to read the whole psalm once and then return to a few verses.
Bring justice to the peoples,
O beloved,
And your mercy to all generations.
May the people be known for mercy,
Rendering justice to the poor.
Let their spirits soar as the eagle,
Let joy abide in every heart.
May we heed the cry of the poor,
The young and the old,
Helping to free all those in need,
Awakening the souls of oppressors.
May we know oneness with you as long as the sun endures,
As long as the stars shine throughout all generations.
May we acknowledge you in the rain falling on the fields,
Like showers that water the earth.
In our day may justice flourish and peace abound throughout all the nations.
May every heart open to your love,
From sea to sea,
Sea to sea,
From the river of life out to the universe.
May fears that paralyze the people rise up from the depths into your light.
May the leaders of nations from all the earth listen to love's voice.
May they spend time in silence before they counsel.
May the leaders surrender to your love and the nations serve the Most High.
For you heed the needy when they call,
The poor and those who have no friends.
You have compassion on the weak,
The downtrodden,
Giving them strength and hope.
From injustice and oppression you redeem their life and precious are they in your heart.
Long may you live in our hearts,
May praises be sung to you,
May our prayers rise up before you and blessings of love be freely rendered.
May we be ever grateful for the grain of the fields,
For the fruits of the vine to be shared with all,
And may the people blossom forth in the cities,
Diverse like flowers in the meadow.
May your name live on forever,
Your love endure as long as the sun.
May the people bless themselves in knowing you and all nations call you blessed.
Blessed be the beloved,
The one who dwells in open hearts,
Who guides us along the way.
Blessed be you who comes in the name of love.
May your glory fill the earth,
Amen and amen.
I'm going to return to a few verses and I invite you to notice any words or phrases that capture your attention.
May we know oneness with you as long as the sun endures,
As long as the stars shine,
Throughout all generations.
May we acknowledge you in the rain falling on the fields,
Like showers that water the earth.
In our day may justice flourish and peace abound throughout all the nations.
May every heart open to your love,
From sea to sea,
From the river of life out to the universe.
May fears that paralyze the people rise up from the depths into your light.
I'm going to bring those words once more and I invite you to let them settle and find a home in your heart,
Your mind and body.
Letting those that captured your attention bring the fullness of their gift to you,
Bringing you what you need at this time.
May we know oneness with you as long as the sun endures,
As long as the stars shine,
Throughout all generations.
May we acknowledge you in the rain falling on the fields,
Like showers that water the earth.
In our day may justice flourish and peace abound throughout all the nations.
May every heart open to your love,
From sea to sea,
From the river of life out to the universe.
May fears that paralyze the people rise up from the depths into your light.
Beloveds,
May you know one another,
Beloveds,
May you know oneness with the beloved as long as the sun endures,
As long as the stars shine.
May grace and goodness go with you.
Amen.
