We continue wandering and wondering through the psalms as we engage in the spiritual practice of Lectio Divina which is divine reading. Listen for God’s word to you as you listen with your heart. Before we begin our Lectio practice, we pray: God of Stillness, open my heart to your Word. Lead me as I read and open the eyes of my heart so that I might see and seek the understanding you desire. Amen.
Scripture: Read & Reflect on Psalm 61, a lament, or cry for help from “the ends of the earth.” We are not clued into the situation of the Psalmist but it seems to be one of spiritual distance, and we hear the lamenter longing for God to listen as in the past!
Focus: What word or phrase speaks into your own life laments?
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If you struggle to know if it’s God you are hearing in your heart, relax and know that God is with you no matter what.
Read & Receive: As you read this psalm a 2nd time, allow yourself to lament with the psalmist. How does God comfort your through your own distressing situation? What are you hearing from God about your life?
Read & Respond: Read the psalm a final time. Have you ever felt like the lamenter of this psalm, longing for God who has been your refuge and strength? Allow your emotions to carry you into the presence of God. What do you want to say to God about your situation, from current times or times past? How does God hear your cries?
If music is a prayerful practice for you, go to PsalmImmersionDotCom and listen to the chant, Hear my Cry, O God but Richard Bruxvoort Colligan.
Rest & Breath Prayer: Let go of your prayers. Rest in silence. When if feels like it is time to bring your time of praying with scripture to a close, allow a breath prayer to emerge or pray with this one:
Breathing in … O God, my Refuge and Strength.
Breathing out … Comfort me as I cry out to you.
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