Hello friends and welcome to this Lectio Divina on Psalm 80.
I'm going to read the whole psalm once and then return twice more to a few verses.
As we arrive into this Lectio Divina I want to give you a few moments to settle in,
To gather yourself from the day,
To get comfortable,
To take a few deeper breaths,
To receive peace and rest.
Maybe as you arrive you want to let go,
To sink,
To imagine the burdens,
The things that you're carrying,
To fall away.
Nothing required in this moment,
Simply to be here and present to these life-giving words.
If you find yourself distracted or thoughts begin to arrive,
Notice them and let them pass through like boats sailing on down a river.
Return to your breath and return to the sound of my voice and the words are being spoken.
As I read the psalm through all the way,
Let the words come,
No need to attach to any in particular.
Just receive the goodness in these words.
Psalm 80.
Eternal listener,
Give heed to your people.
You who are our guide and our light,
You who dwell amidst the angels,
Shine forth into the heart of all nations.
Enliven your people with compassion that peace and justice might flourish.
Restore us,
O Holy One.
Let your face shine upon us.
Teach us to love.
Gentle teacher,
Help us to turn to you in prayer,
Fasting from our negative thoughts.
In your steadfast love you weep with our tears.
Tears that rise from fear,
Doubt and illusion.
You uphold us when we feel the sting of pride,
When our anxiety threatens to paralyze us.
Restore us,
O Holy One.
Let your face shine upon us.
Teach us to love.
You companion us through the wilderness,
Through the shadows created by fear.
You plant your seed into each heart.
You uproot the weeds of sin.
You cultivate the soil of our goodness.
Truly in you we become like a tiny acorn,
Holding the secret of a mighty oak.
You nourish us with the food of love,
With streams of living water.
Be our strength as we break down walls that separate and divide.
Let not fear pluck away the gifts we would share.
Roll away the stones that become obstacles to growth,
To producing a bountiful harvest.
Receive our gratitude,
O heart of all hearts.
Look upon us and see what love can do.
Rejoice in the new birth that you create.
Be glad where your seed has found fertile soil.
How much more the return of one healthy plant than 10,
000 useless weeds.
May those who have borne the fruit of love radiate your spirit into the world.
May we always walk and co-create with you.
Receive the gratitude of our hearts as we share in the great plan.
Restore us,
O holy one.
Let your face shine upon us.
Teach us to love.
I'm now going to read a few verses for a second time and as I read these notice any word or phrase that captures your attention.
You companion us through the wilderness,
Through the shadows created by fear.
You plant your seed into each heart.
You cultivate the soil of our goodness.
Truly in you we become like a tiny acorn,
Holding the secret of a mighty oak.
You nourish us with the food of love,
With streams of living water.
I'm going to read those words once more and I invite you to welcome those that captured your attention,
To welcome them to find a resting place within and to bring their gift,
Their goodness,
Their hope,
To bring you what you need at this time.
You companion us through the wilderness,
Through the shadows created by fear.
You plant your seed into each heart.
You cultivate the soil of our goodness.
Truly in you we become like a tiny acorn,
Holding the secret of a mighty oak.
You nourish us with the food of love,
With streams of living water.
Of course return to these words,
Relisten continue to receive their gift.
May you be nourished with the food of love and with streams of living water.
With all blessing,
Grace and goodness to you.
Amen
