Hello and welcome to this Lectio Divina on Psalm 75.
And you may notice that I'm recording outside again and it's spring so there are a lot of little fledgling birds around.
So there is a lot of bird noise.
There's a yellow labrador here,
She may make a few noises.
So please welcome all of these sounds as part of this meditation,
This Lectio Divina on Psalm 75.
Before we come to the psalm I'm going to allow you some moments to arrive and settle in.
I'm simply going to be quiet and allow these sounds of nature to welcome you into this space and to be an invitation to open your heart,
Your body,
Your soul to receive the gift of these words.
I'm going to read the psalm three times.
On this first reading simply welcome the words and let them come without attaching to any in particular.
Psalm 75.
I yearn to know you,
O beloved,
To abide in the peace of love.
I choose to turn from the ways of the world where ego separates and divides.
At the set time which I appoint,
I will judge with equity.
When the earth totters with all its inhabitants,
It is I who keeps steady its axis.
I say to the powerful,
Lead with justice and mercy.
And to the greedy,
Share your abundance with those in need.
Let no one see your acts of mercy or know your works of charity.
For not from the four directions nor from the heights or the depths comes lifting up.
Rather it is the most high who fulfills the balance,
Sifting as a thresher,
Burning as a refining fire.
For hidden within the heart of each soul,
There dwells the divine guest that knows well our secret thoughts,
That weighs us in the balance.
Let us rejoice and be glad.
Let us sing praises to the beloved as the unjust and oppressors dwell in the wilderness.
Those who live with mercy and truth will soar like the eagle.
On this second reading,
Notice any words or phrases that are capturing your attention.
I yearn to know you,
Oh beloved,
To abide in the peace of love.
I choose to turn from the ways of the world where ego separates and divides.
At the set time which I appoint,
I will judge with equity.
When the earth totters with all its inhabitants,
It is I who keeps steady its axis.
I say to the powerful,
Lead with justice and mercy.
And to the greedy,
Share your abundance with those in need.
Let no one see your acts of mercy or know your works of charity.
For not from the four directions nor from the heights or the depths comes lifting up.
Rather,
It is the most high who fulfills the balance,
Sifting as a thresher,
Burning as a refining fire.
For hidden within the heart of each soul,
There dwells the divine guest that knows well our secret thoughts,
That weighs us in the balance.
Let us rejoice and be glad.
Let us sing praises to the beloved.
As the unjust and oppressors dwell in the wilderness,
Those who live with mercy and truth will soar like the eagle.
This third and final reading is an opportunity to welcome those words and phrases to bring the depth of their gift.
Notice how you're responding to them,
Not just with your thoughts or mind,
But maybe in your body and emotions.
Do they invite something?
What are they offering to you at this time?
Do they connect with a need that you have?
Do they connect you to seeing the beloved in a different way or a new way?
Notice what they offer and receive their gift.
I yearn to know you,
Oh beloved,
To abide in the peace of love.
I choose to turn from the ways of the world where ego separates and divides.
At the set time which I appoint,
I will judge with equity when the earth totters with all its inhabitants.
It is I who keeps steady its axis.
I say to the powerful,
Lead with justice and mercy.
And to the greedy,
Share your abundance with those in need.
Let no one see your acts of mercy or know your works of charity.
For not from the four directions nor from the heights or the depths comes lifting up.
Rather it is the most high who fulfills the balance,
Sifting as a thresher,
Burning as a refining fire.
For hidden within the heart of each soul there dwells the divine guest that knows well our secret thoughts,
That weighs us in the balance.
Let us rejoice and be glad.
Let us sing praises to the beloved.
As the unjust and oppressors dwell in the wilderness,
Those who live with mercy and truth will soar like the eagle.
Do linger with these words and welcome the gift that they offer.
And as you do,
May you know blessing and grace and the goodness of the beloved reaching towards you.
Amen.
