Psalms for Today ~ Lectio

 

Read Psalms 115-116

 

We continue with Lectio as our framework for dwelling in the Psalms this week.  This prayer process begins with step one: read the three Psalms for today slowly, savoring the syllables and noticing the meaning you derive from the sentence.  You are encouraged to write these down.

 

Step two: take a breath to sit with the word or words from the Psalms that you wrote down or circled. 

 

Step three: take a deep breath and pray your curiosity or frustration that was evoked from step two.

 

Step four: breathe and rest in God, who is our refuge.

 

Step five: embody/enact/intention ~ commit to one action or way inspired by the Psalm today.

Let me walk through this prayer practice of reading with Psalm 115:

 

Step one: I am drawn to verses 3-8 about the idols of life that seem so powerful, but really are not God.  Is there an idol of fame, fortune, followers on social, the lure of respectability or something seen a certain way that I am drawn to these days?

 

Step two: I sit with the uncomfortable truth that I participate, partake, and am lured by idols that are made and marketed to me.  I am aware of advertisers right now on the sidebar of my computer screen! I breathe deeply of the One who can never be confined or defined by my imagination.

 

Step three: I enter into prayer, “God who is beyond names, help me today to not be tangled or twisted by those who want to trick me or tell me that my worth is based on what I consume, or who I voted for, or what church I go to, or what shoes are on my feet.  Cling to me with the promise that You are not finished with me yet and let me breathe in slowly Your presence.”

 

Step Four: I listen for how God moves and dismantles that which longs for my affiliation, affection, and affirmation in these days.

 

Step five: I seek God’s wisdom, knowing when and where to share and shine my light this day.  Amen.