Sarah Patton invites us to pray this week:
Psalm 4 expresses the cry of a heart in dire distress, disturbed by betrayal, wrestling with anger and fear. Maybe that is the cry of your heart right now. We all experience distress in our lifetime; it is part of the human condition. The psalmist calls out, asking God to hear their prayer. Perhaps you have done that, too, maybe even praying this psalm.
Pause now and sense freshly what you experience as you savor the words.
As I listened to the passage, several phrases lingered.
God envelops us in Love; and God gives us room.
The metaphor of a womb emerged. A baby is enveloped in the protection of the womb and yet can move freely. When we are in dire distress, God surrounds us with Love and gives us room to acknowledge all of our feelings and bring them to God without shame. Then rest can come. Not just dropping from exhaustion but the rest of peace.
As I pondered, a prayer emerged:
Womb me, O God,
Envelop me in your Love
Give me room to feel the anger,
the sorrow,
to grieve while being held by you.
Wrestling with fear,
I cry out to you.
When the cry of my heart meets your Heart,
I am bathed in your Love.
I can rest in peace.
Amen
Psalm 4 (NRSV)
Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
You gave me room when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.
How long, you people, shall my honour suffer shame?
How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies? Selah
But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
When you are disturbed, do not sin;
ponder it on your beds, and be silent. Selah
Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the Lord.
There are many who say, ‘O that we might see some good!
Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!’
You have put gladness in my heart
more than when their grain and wine abound.
I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.
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 4 (Psalms for Praying by Nan Merrill)
Answer me when I call, O Beloved of my heart!
You enveloped me in Love when I was in dire distress.
Be gracious to me now; hear my prayer!
O friends, how long will my reputation suffer shame?
How long will you listen to false words?
I seek only what is life-giving.
You know that the Beloved dwells with all
who are filled with love;
Love hears when our hearts cry out.
Though you may feel angry,
do not give in to fear;
Commune with the Heart of your heart
as you rest; be in silence.
Bask in stillness.
Face your fears with forgiveness,
and trust in Love.
There are many who say,
“Grant us special favors,
O Mighty One!
Bestow upon us your grace that
that we may prosper!”
Love has brought more joy to my heart
than they have when their banks are filled.
In peace will I spend my days and
sleep at night;
For You alone, my Beloved,
teach me the way of Love!