A. Text is selected portions from Psalm 73
B. Silent maranatha "Come, O Lord" (1 Cor. 16:22).
An ancient prayer of the church. (2-3 minutes)
While breathing in silently, "Come"
While breathing out silently, "O Lord"
C. Reading (lectio) Ps. 73 selected verses.
Read together 1 time, read silently to self 2 times.
Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills. Therefore pride is their necklace. Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth. Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance.
This is what the wicked are like--always carefree, they increase in wealth. Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.
All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning.
When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me
till I entered the sanctuary of God;
then I understood their final destiny. Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!
When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
For me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.
D. Meditation (meditatio) 5 minutes
Allow words, phrases, images to surface from the reading. What is being offered to you?
E. Oration (oratio) an intuitive conversation or dialog. 5 minutes
Respond to the reading and word, phrase, image offered. If painful, bring it before God for
healing, if joy, bring it in thanksgiving, if regret, bring it in contrition, if empty, hold that in His
presence. Honesty before the Lord is His desire.
F. Contemplation (contemplatio) 5 minutes
Just rest in the presence of the One who knows you and loves you more than any. No words
needed, He is with you, just loving and enjoying your very company.
End by saying, "Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit." |
