Hello and welcome to this Lectio Divina on Psalm 91.
Before we come to this beautiful psalm I invite you to settle in,
To find a comfortable attentive position and to let yourself arrive into this moment here and now.
I invite you to let go of anything that can be let go of,
To let your shoulders sink and your body become heavy,
To notice where you can soften and release,
To let yourself be unburdened by divine love,
Offering up anything that you're carrying that feels weighty,
Knowing that the love of the beloved responds with tenderness and kindness.
Simply be here just as you are,
Nothing required or demanded.
You in your story,
In your life,
Welcome.
Maybe you want to receive the divine embrace and rest a while.
I'm going to read the whole psalm three times and on this first reading let the words come like a gentle rain without attaching to any in particular.
Psalm 91.
Those who dwell in the shelter of infinite light,
Who abide in the wings of infinite love,
Will raise their voices in praise.
My refuge and my strength in you alone will I trust.
For you deliver me from the webs of fear and delusion,
From all that separates and divides.
You protect me as an eagle shields its young.
Your faithfulness is sure like an arrow set upon the mark.
I will not fear the shadows of the night,
Nor the confusion that comes by day,
Nor the dreams that awaken me from sleep,
Nor the daily changes that life brings.
Though a thousand may deride this radical trust,
Ten thousand laugh as I seek to do your will.
Yet will I surrender myself to you,
Abandoning myself into your hands without reserve.
For you have sent your angels to watch over me,
To guide me in all my ways.
On their hands they will bear me up,
Lest I dash my foot against a stone.
Though I walk among those who roar like a lion,
Or are as stealthy as the adder,
In your strength will I endure.
Because you cleave to me in love,
I will deliver you.
I will protect you who call upon my name.
When you call to me,
I will answer you.
I will be with you in times of trouble.
I will rescue you,
So that you will know my peace.
All through the years will I dwell in your heart,
As loving companion presence forever.
On this second reading,
Notice any words or phrases that capture your attention.
Those who dwell in the shelter of infinite light,
Who abide in the wings of infinite love,
Will raise their voices in praise.
My refuge and my strength in you alone will I trust.
For you deliver me from the webs of fear and delusion,
From all that separates and divides.
You protect me as an eagle shields its young.
Your faithfulness is sure,
Like an arrow set upon the mark.
I will not fear the shadows of the night,
Nor the confusion that comes by day,
Nor the dreams that awaken me from sleep.
Nor the daily changes that life brings.
Though a thousand may deride this radical trust,
Ten thousand laugh as I seek to do your will.
Yet will I surrender myself to you,
Abandoning myself into your hands without reserve.
For you have sent your angels to watch over me,
To guide me in all my ways.
On their hands they will bear me up,
Lest I dash my foot against a stone.
Though I walk among those who roar like a lion,
Or are as stealthy as the adder,
In your strength will I endure.
Because you cleave to me in love,
I will deliver you.
I will protect you who call upon my name.
When you call to me,
I will answer you.
I will be with you in times of trouble.
I will rescue you so that you will know my peace.
All through the years will I dwell in your heart as loving companion presence forever.
This third and final reading gives you the opportunity to let the words and phrases that captured your attention to find a true resting place within you.
That they will land in your heart and your body,
In your mind,
And continue to unfold their gift.
Notice how you want to respond to them.
Do they bring with them an invitation,
Or the gift of something you need at this time?
A reassurance,
A hope,
An encouragement?
Welcome these words.
Those who dwell in the shelter of infinite light,
Who abide in the wings of infinite love,
Will raise their voices in praise.
My refuge and my strength in you alone will I trust.
For you deliver me from the webs of fear and delusion,
From all that separates and divides.
You protect me as an eagle shields its young.
Your faithfulness is sure like an arrow set upon the mark.
I will not fear the shadows of the night,
Nor the confusion that comes by day,
Nor the dreams that awaken me from sleep,
Nor the daily changes that life brings.
Though a thousand may deride this radical trust,
Ten thousand laugh as I seek to do your will,
Yet will I surrender myself to you,
Abandoning myself into your hands without reserve.
For you have sent your angels to watch over me,
To guide me in all my ways.
On their hands they will bear me up,
Lest I dash my foot against a stone.
Though I walk among those who roar like a lion,
Or are as stealthy as the adder,
In your strength will I endure.
Because you cleave to me in love,
I will deliver you.
I will protect you who call upon my name.
When you call to me,
I will answer you.
I will be with you in times of trouble.
I will rescue you so that you will know my peace.
All for you.
Through the years will I dwell in your heart as loving companion presence forever.
May the words of this psalm remain with you.
May you go knowing that you dwell in the shelter of infinite light,
And abide in the wings of infinite love.
May you go in peace and hope and great goodness.
Blessings to you my friends.
Amen.
