Hello friends and welcome to this Lectio Divina on Psalm 99.
I invite you to settle in and get comfortable.
To take a few deep and wide breaths.
Noticing where it's possible to soften and release.
Letting the day so far fall away and whatever is coming after this meditation to fall away.
Gather yourself into this moment here and now.
Nothing demanded or expected,
Simply here with an open heart to receive these words and the gift that they want to be for you at this time.
I'm going to read the psalm three times.
On this first reading simply let the words come without attaching to any in particular.
Psalm 99 Awaken O you people and trust your hearts to love.
For the beloved reigns supreme.
Let all the earth give thanks.
Your unseen presence is great in the land.
You sit with the leaders of nations.
Let them be silent and guided by your voice.
Holy are you.
You are mighty and love justice.
You establish equity.
Out of silence your word can be heard in the land.
Inviting the nations to live in peace.
Listen O you people.
Open your hearts to the beloved.
That truth may be born anew.
Many who have gone before you followed the beloved's voice.
The unknown saints of all generations.
They surrendered themselves into the beloved's hands and walked with confidence.
They were guided through difficult times,
Keeping to love's way and trusting in love's promises.
O heart of all hearts,
You answered their prayers.
With mercy you forgave them their wrongdoings.
Always inviting them to new life.
Sing praises to the beloved and aspire to ascend the holy mountain.
Holy are you O giver of life.
On this second reading,
Notice any words or phrases that capture your attention.
Awaken O you people.
Entrust your hearts to love.
For the beloved reigns supreme.
Let all the earth give thanks.
Your unseen presence is great in the land.
You sit with the leaders of nations.
Let them be silent and guided by your voice.
Holy are you.
You are mighty and love justice.
You establish equity.
Out of silence your word can be heard in the land.
Inviting the nations to live in peace.
Listen O you people.
Open your hearts to the beloved.
That truth may be born anew.
Many who have gone before you followed the beloved's voice.
The unknown saints of all generations.
They surrendered themselves into the beloved's hands and walked with confidence.
They were guided through difficult times,
Keeping to love's way and trusting in love's promises.
O heart of all hearts,
You answered their prayers.
With mercy you forgave them their wrongdoings.
Always inviting them to new life.
Sing praises to the beloved and aspire to ascend the holy mountain.
Holy are you O giver of life.
On this final reading invite those words or phrases to the deeper places within yourself.
Let them find a resting place within so that they can bring their gift.
Inviting a response.
Bringing an encouragement and a hope.
Be curious and attentive to those words and phrases as they come to you in this final reading.
Awaken O you people and trust your hearts to love for the beloved reigns supreme.
Let all the earth give thanks.
Your unseen presence is great in the land.
You sit with the leaders of nations.
Let them be silent and guided by your voice.
Holy are you.
You are mighty and love justice.
You establish equity.
Out of silence your word can be heard in the land,
Inviting the nations to live in peace.
Listen O you people.
Open your hearts to the beloved that truth may be born anew.
Many who have gone before you followed the beloved's voice.
The unknown saints of all generations.
They surrendered themselves into the beloved's hands and walked with confidence.
They were guided through difficult times,
Keeping to love's way and trusting in love's promises.
O heart of all hearts you answered their prayers.
With mercy you forgave them their wrongdoings,
Always inviting them to new life.
Sing praises to the beloved and aspire to ascend the holy mountain.
Holy are you O giver of life.
May these words continue to bless you and encourage you,
To offer comfort and hope.
May you go in great grace,
Go softly and gently,
Held in the wonderful love of the beloved.
Amen.
