Day Two – December 30, 2019

 

Read: Psalm 91:9-12

Interspersed with the readings from Mark will be readings from the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament).  These readings ground us in the Jewish faith and remind us that Jesus, a Jewish person, was steeped in the Scripture and prayer.  Throughout the Gospels Jesus often quotes Hebrew Scripture; to expand on it, and, sometimes to faithfully re-interpret because the religious leaders of the time had become legalistic in how they read and interpreted Scripture.  Jesus will also quote Scripture when he is alone, troubled or afraid.  

I recommend a great book called, Psalms for Praying: An Invitation to Wholeness by Nan Merrill.  Try reading her interpretation of the Psalms aloud as a prayer.

Those who dwell in the shelter of

Infinite Light,

who abide in the wings of

Infinite Love,

Will raise their voices in praise:

“My refuge and my strength;

in You alone will I trust.”

For You deliver me from the webs of fear and illusion,

from all that separates and divides;

You protect me as an eagle shields, its young,

Your faithfulness is sure, like

an arrow set upon the mark.

I will not fear the shadows of the night,

nor the confusion that comes by day,

Nor the dreams that awaken me from sleep,

nor the daily changes that life brings.

Though a thousand may deride this radical trust,

ten thousand laugh as I seek to do your Will,

Yet will I surrender myself to You,

abandoning myself into your Hands, without reserve.

For you have sent your angels to watch over me,

to guide me in all my ways.

On their hands, they will bear me up,

lest I dash my foot against a stone.

Though I walk among those who roar like a lion,

or are as stealthy as the adder,

in your strength will I endure.

Because you cleave to Me in love,

I will deliver you;

I will protect you, who call upon my Name.

When you call to Me, I will answer you;

I will be with you in times of trouble,

I will rescue you so that

you will know my Peace,

All through the years, will I dwell

in your heart,

as Loving Companion Presence,

forever.”

Psalm 91

 

Prayer Focus:

Talk to God about your fears and confusion.  

 

Music based on this Scripture:

Your Wings by Lauren Daigle             

On Eagle’s Wings by Michael Joncas  (The United Methodist hymnal uses inclusive language on the chorus: “And God will raise you up…”)

 

Grace and peace,

Pastor Karen Bruins