Welcome to this Lectio Divina on Psalm 51.
As we begin,
Allowing a few moments to settle and arrive.
To come into this space,
To get comfortable,
To arrive into your body and take a few deep wide breaths.
As you breathe and arrive,
Allowing yourself to become open to receive the gift that these words offer.
I'm going to read the whole Psalm once and then centre in on a few verses.
Have mercy on me,
O gracious one,
According to your steadfast love,
According to your abundant kindness.
Forgive me where my thoughts and deeds have hurt others.
Lead me in the paths of justice.
Guide my steps on paths of peace.
Teach me that I may know my weaknesses,
The shortcomings that bind me,
The unloving ways that separate me,
That keep me from recognising your life in me.
For I keep company with fear and dwell in the house of ignorance.
Yet I was brought forth in love and love is my birthright.
You have placed your truth in the inner being,
Therefore teach me the wisdom of the heart.
Forgive all that binds me in fear that I might radiate love.
Cleanse me that your light might shine in me.
Fill me with gladness.
Help me to transform weakness into strength.
Look not on my past mistakes,
But on the aspirations of my heart.
Create in me a clean heart,
O gracious one,
And put a new and right spirit within me.
Enfold me in the arms of love and fill me with your Holy Spirit.
Restore in me the joy of your saving grace and encourage me with a new spirit.
Then I will teach others of your ways and prisoners of fear will return to you.
Deliver me from the addictions of society,
O healer of souls.
Keep me from temptation that I may tell of your justice and mercy.
O gracious one,
Open my lips and my mouth shall sing forth your praise.
For you do not want sacrifice.
You delight in our friendship with you.
A sacrifice most appropriate is a humble spirit,
A repentant and contrite heart.
O merciful one,
Receive our gratitude and love.
Let the nations turn from war and encourage one another as good neighbours.
O blessed and compassionate friend,
Melt our hearts of stone.
Break through the fears that lead us into darkness and guide our steps toward the path of peace.
I'm now going to read a few of the verses from this song twice.
I invite you on this verse reading to notice any words or phrases that capture your attention.
Create in me a clean heart,
O gracious one,
And put a new and right spirit within me.
Enfold me in the arms of love and fill me with your Holy Spirit.
Restore in me the joy of your saving grace and encourage me with a new spirit.
Then I will teach others of your ways and prisoners of fear will return to you.
Deliver me from the addictions of society,
O healer of souls.
Keep me from temptation that I may tell of your justice and mercy.
On this second reading,
I invite you to notice what it was about those words or phrases that stood out to you.
What's stirring your heart?
What are they offering or inviting?
How are they making you feel?
Is a response invited?
Allow the gift of those words or phrases to come.
Welcome the gift that these words and phrases offer.
Create in me a clean heart,
O gracious one,
And put a new and right spirit within me.
Enfold me in the arms of love and fill me with your Holy Spirit.
Restore in me the joy of your saving grace and encourage me with a new spirit.
Then I will teach others of your ways and prisoners of fear will return to you.
Deliver me from the addictions of society,
O healer of souls.
Keep me from temptation that I may tell of your justice and mercy.
Do linger with these words.
Stay present to them for longer if you feel the desire to do so.
And as you journey onwards,
Be blessed.
May hope and peace and love walk with you.
Amen.
