The Hebrew Hymnal

 

Today, we will sing number 3 in the Hebrew Hymnal.  I want you to notice that there are pauses below.  I encourage you to take a moment at each pause to breathe, be, and let the words you are encountering sink, settle, and sing to your soul.  Pay attention to what you have read and the emotions/thoughts/ideas/questions those words are provoking.  Join me in praying these words:

 

Eternal One, my adversaries are many, too many to count.
    Now they have taken a stand against me!
Right to my face they say,
    “God will not save you!”

[pause]

 

But You, Eternal One, wrap around me like an impenetrable shield.
    You give me glory and lift my eyes up to the heavens.
I lift my voice to You, Eternal One,
    and You answer me from Your sacred heights.

[pause]

 

I lie down at night and fall asleep.
    I awake in the morning—healthy, strong, vibrant—because the Eternal supports me.
No longer will I fear my tens of thousands of enemies
    who have surrounded me!

Rise up, O Eternal One!
    Rescue me, O God!
For You have dealt my enemies a strong blow to the jaw!
    You have shattered their teeth! Do so again.

Liberation truly comes from the Eternal.
    Let Your blessings shower down upon Your people.

[pause]

 

May these words be a balm to your soul, especially when you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders.  May God wrap around you and join you in the chorus of your life.  And may God’s liberating love release you to be who you are crafted to be this day.  I pray God, who is our composer and conductor will move through the words above with a sweet melody today. Amen.