Each week that we gather to listen to God’s voice through the scriptures, we place ourselves in a posture of openness and curiosity. What conversation might God be inviting us to have with him today in this quiet moment? We notice what caught our attention as we listened to the text. Sometimes something stands out clearly and other times the words may seem to fall flat upon our ears and hearts. It does not matter. Whatever comes to the surface and how we feel about that can be a fruitful place to keep company together with God. Talking, listening, sensing if we feel heard and seen by God – this is the fodder of intimate relationship.
This week, I share a prayer written by Laurie – her response to God’s invitation to conversation with her:
Dear God,
Guide my heart, my body to rest secure with your presence.
Strengthen me and give me courage to not be shaken.
When difficult situations arise, guide me quickly to your abiding presence.
May my heart, my body hear your instruction, your counsel and be glad and rejoice.
You are my refuge. Amen
Psalm 16 (NIV)
Keep me safe, my God,
for in you I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
apart from you I have no good thing.”
I say of the holy people who are in the land,
“They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”
Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more.
I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods
or take up their names on my lips.
Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup;
you make my lot secure.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
nor will you let your faithful one see decay.
You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
For Reflection and Prayer:
Was there a word, a phrase, image, or feeling that shimmered as you listened? Linger with it a bit. Notice how your body is responding to the text.
Reflect on what you are noticing. Bring it into a conversational prayer with God. Perhaps you want to draw or color or journal your prayer.
As the time comes to a close, allow yourself to savor something that held life for you. Quietly rest in God’s presence.
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