Welcome to this Lectio Divina on Psalm 86.
Take some moments to arrive into your space,
To settle,
To become comfortable,
To let yourself sink,
To let go of anything that can be let go of and to imagine entering into a space of nurture,
Of warmth,
Of love and of goodness.
I'm going to read the whole Psalm once and then return to a few verses twice more.
As I read the whole Psalm,
Simply welcome the words without attaching to any in particular.
Psalm 86 Give ear to my cry,
O Comforter,
And answer me,
For I am sorely in need of you.
Awaken new life in me as I yearn to do your will.
Dispel the ignorance of my ways as I put my trust in you.
You are the Beloved.
Be gracious to me,
Heart of my heart.
For with you would I walk all day.
My soul is uplifted as I abandon myself into your hands.
Abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.
Give ear to my prayer,
Compassionate One.
Listen to my heartfelt plea.
In the time of trouble,
I dare to call upon you,
For you hear the cry of those in need.
No one is like you,
O Mighty One.
All of creation belongs to you.
All the nations are under your authority and one day they will acknowledge and reverence you.
They will give praise to your sacred name,
For you are great.
We are awed by the wonders of your world.
You alone are the Most High.
Teach me your ways,
Mighty Counselor,
That I may walk in truth.
Walk in truth.
Write my name upon your heart.
I give you thanks,
O Beloved,
With my whole being.
O that I might radiate your light forever.
Great is your steadfast love toward those who call upon you.
You deliver their souls from the depths of despair.
O Beloved,
Numerous fears rise up within me.
Like an army,
They seek to overwhelm me and they would keep me in darkness.
Yet you are merciful and gracious,
Ready to forgive and ever abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
Be present to me and receive my prayer.
Imbue me with strength and help me to release each fear.
Pour forth your light into my soul,
That all that is hidden in darkness may come forth into awareness.
Pour forth your light into my soul,
That all that is hidden in darkness may come forth into awareness.
For you,
O Beloved,
Are my Redeemer and my Comforter.
I'm going to return to a few verses.
Notice any words or phrases that capture your attention.
You are the Beloved,
The gracious to me,
Heart of my heart.
For with you would I walk all day.
My soul is uplifted as I abandon myself into your hands.
For you are kind and forgiving,
Abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.
Give ear to my prayer,
Compassionate one.
Listen to my heartfelt plea.
In the time of trouble,
I dare to call upon you,
For you hear the cry of those in need.
As I read those words one last time,
Let the ones that captured your attention into the deeper places of yourself,
Let them find a place to rest and unfurl within you,
Offering their gift.
Notice any responses that arise in you from your body,
Your emotions,
Your thoughts.
You are the Beloved,
The gracious to me,
Heart of my heart.
For with you would I walk all day.
My soul is uplifted as I abandon myself into your hands.
For you are kind and forgiving,
Abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.
Give ear to my prayer,
Compassionate one.
Listen to my heartfelt plea.
In the time of trouble,
I dare to call upon you,
For you hear the cry of those in need.
May blessing,
Grace,
Goodness and the tender love of God go with you.
Amen.
