Sarah Patton invites us to prayer again this week…
Praying with Psalm 111 may seem familiar as we listened to the psalm together earlier this year. Some psalms repeat in the lectionary readings. As we listen freshly to the words, we receive what we need from God in that moment. It may be similar to what we received before or it may be something new. We are in a different moment in time – our circumstances may be very different – and our prayer is a new conversation.
As we slowly listened to Psalm 111 together, much emerged. The richness of sharing in community echoed the words of the psalm as we delighted in hearing each other offer what we received in the meditative silence.
Wholehearted gratitude for God’s steadfast love stirred among us. One listener shared that God’s love is ever with her, not just in her mind but in the bedrock of her being. What do you notice as you listen anew to the words “God’s steadfast love?” It may be a deepening awareness of God’s love or it may be a longing for God to come to you in your need. Share whatever rises up in a conversation with Jesus.
Another stayed with the words Great Builder connecting that to the wonder of Creation but also to God bringing new life to us. She remembered God’s care for her when she was weary from suffering; God gave strength to endure and help in building a new life. Ponder God’s gift of bringing new life to you and notice what comes forward, savoring gratitude and naming your need and the desire of your heart.
Whatever stirs in you as you listen to or slowly read the psalm, linger there, giving time for more to emerge. Offer it in prayer and rest in God’s presence.
Psalm 111 NRSV
Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
Great are the works of the Lord,
studied by all who delight in them.
Full of honor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds;
the Lord is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear him;
he is ever mindful of his covenant.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the heritage of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.
They are established for ever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever.
For Reflection and Prayer:
Was there a word, phrase or image which caught your attention you as you listened to or slowly read the text? Quietly savor this with Jesus.
Notice any felt sense that seems to emerge as you linger with this passage. It might come as a bodily feeling, emotion, metaphor, picture, gesture or sound. See if you can describe it and simply be with it with patient curiosity. Be open to whatever more might emerge.
Perhaps you might want to draw, color or journal your conversation.
As the time of prayer comes to a close, share some quiet moments with Jesus, simply resting safely in his presence.
Psalm 111 Psalms for Praying by Nan C. Merrill
Praise the Beloved, O my soul!
I will give thanks to You with my whole heart,
to all who will listen, I will tell of your goodness.
Wonderous is Creation, Great Builder;
I take pleasure in pondering your Work.
Full of honor and integrity are your teachings;
those who follow them will find new life.
You lift the hearts of those who suffer;
You come to them in their need.
Your steadfast love is food for the soul,
nourishment in times of fear.
You are ever-mindful of your covenant,
a very Presence to the weary and afflicted.
Your voice is truth to those with ears to hear,
your precepts are sure;
Written on the hearts of your people, they are
to be lived forever with faith-filled love and assurance.
You bring new life to the world;
Yes! life in abundance is your gift to us.
Holy and glorious is your Name!
Reverence for You, O Holy One, is the
beginning of wisdom;
a good understanding have all who practice it.
Your Spirit endures forever!
