Psalm 31 Lectio & Labyrinth: In you, O LORD, I seek refuge

Weaving together the ancient spiritual practices of Lectio Divina with walking the Labyrinth, let us pray with Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16.  Do you have easy access to a Labyrinth that you could walk?   If not, you can take this Link to a finger Labyrinth that you can download and print: PDF File/Labyrinth.  If you prefer, I'll give you a link below to an online labyrinth within your experience of Lectio.  

Although you can’t really tell from the selected verses, Psalm 31 is a psalm of lament.  A lament is primarily an expression of grief, sorrow, complaint, and a cry for help or deliverance. Into the context of this lament, the psalmist sees God as chacah {khaw-saw'} or as a place to “seek refuge” from the pain and sorrow of life. 

Refuge is an important concept in the Hebrew Writings, appearing repeatedly throughout the psalms.  In our selection of Psalm 31, God is called a rock of refuge and a strong fortress.  Other versions translate the Hebrew word, chacah, as “trust.”  Refuge and trust are interwoven concepts.  In God we “seek” refuge and we “put” trust.  We can see the depth of the Psalmist’s trust in God as the spirit of the Psalmist is committed (or entrusted) to God along with the cry for deliverance from persecution.  

Refuge is also translated from the Hebrew word ma`owz {maw-oze'} later in our selection.  Ma’owz is translated “strength” in other versions and means a place of protection or “stronghold.”   Sometimes, when we come to scripture, we have to imagine the context.  Why would the Psalmist cry out to God through a lament?  We have to imagine that things are really bad, perhaps the worst. Yet into this torment, the Psalmist seems unwavering in trust.  

Psalm 31 is attributed to David.  Does that surprise you?  Do you remember some of his "worst times?"  Perhaps, as we come to our selection of Psalm 31, we should imagine some of the very worst times of our own lives and invite God into deeper healing of our past wounded-ness and scars.  Perhaps we need that right now.  Or perhaps we might carry someone who is suffering deeply at this very moment with us as we seek to deepen our walk.  

When you are ready to move into the text, settle into a place of loving openness within yourself with a simple Breath Prayer.  Use this one or allow one to emerge as you breathe in and breathe out.  

Breathing in ... God, my Rock of Refuge (Your Name for God)

Breathing out ... Let me trust in Your Presence (Name Your Desire)

Pray: O God, you are my rock of refuge and a strong fortress in my life. When life overwhelms me, I find my rest in You. Amen.

Read Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 (NET) as you engage in Lectio Divina, Praying with Scripture.  Allow yourself to be drawn deeply into God’s Presence as you read and pray and listen for the whispers of God.   

Take Link to read the original lectio version: New Living Translation (NLT)

In you, O Lord, I have taken shelter!
Never let me be humiliated!
Vindicate me by rescuing me!
Listen to me!
Quickly deliver me!
Be my protector and refuge,
a stronghold where I can be safe!
For you are my high ridge and my stronghold;
for the sake of your own reputation you lead me and guide me.
You will free me from the net they hid for me,
for you are my place of refuge.
Into your hand I entrust my life;
you will rescue me, O Lord, the faithful God. (NET)

Read the passage again slowly.  Consider where God is calling your attention.  Reflect on just a word or phrase. Spend time with your word or phrase and listen to the whispers of God through the words that have drawn you into the text ... Listen!  

And walk, or run, or dance ... take your word or phrase onto a Labyrinth, perhaps you could find one at a local church or another venue.  You could use a printed labyrinth or take this link and choose an online virtual labyrinth.   OR ... You might spend some time outside in nature with what you are hearing from God.   Find a place to sit quietly.  Some persons find that God's voice is clarified as they walk and move with the Word.  Simply let the Spirit of God guide you and get your body involved in your prayer, reflection, and seeking! 

Take your word or phrase onto the Labyrinth and let the Spirit of God guide you.  Turn your word or phrase or image over in your mind.  Let God speak into your heart as you listen.  

Take time to "Release" anything that emerges that you need to let go of in order to move on in your prayers. Come to a time of pause … at the center of the Labyrinth, 

"Receive" and welcome God's word for you. Consider these questions or others that may arise in your time of pause:  Where is God speaking into the suffering I have found in life through this passage, personally or communally?  

Before you begin your journey anew from the center or from wherever you are, slowly Read the passage again.   Turn your attention to your word or phrase.  Know that it is ok if you are being drawn in a different direction on this reading!    Consider how you will "Respond" to what you have heard from God … 

As you walk know that you are gaining strength for your continuing journey of life.  How is God calling me to see life in a new way?  How am I newly being called to pray for myself or for others?  

As you reach the end of the Labyrinth pathway, it is time to Rest in the silence of God's Presence.  Allow God to draw you deeper into "refuge" and deepen your trust in the Presence who is always with you, keeping you safe and protected.  Let all the words fade away and stay in this lovely place as long as you can.   Simply BE with the God who always hears your prayers.

Hood Canal, Washington January 2013

 Be aware that you may find a desire to express what you have received.  This is a wonderful time to journal, to write about your experience, thoughts, feelings, and insights.   Some persons find that God’s voice is clarified through the writing process.

Prayer from 62:1-2 (Joyce Rupp, Fragments of Your Ancient Name)

No high, walled-in city are you.

No bunkers or layers of concrete.

No tough steel girders of separation.

Your fortification is invisible,

A defense of courage and grace,

A formation of firm empowerment.

You are the One who protects us

From enemies within and without.

Your are strength against addiction

And anything that strives to harm us.  Amen.

Affirmation:  I am empowered by God, my Fortress.

If music is a pathway to God for you, you may want to listen to this old, old hymn called A Mighty Fortress is our God.  The words were written by Martin Luther written in 1529 and it is sung by a contemporary singer, Chris Rice.  The words may “jar” you, as they occasionally did me.  But it is worth it.  The montage of images are quite lovely and evoke a sense of the Holy Fortress that is our God.  Enjoy!