Psalm 31 I have become like a broken vessel...
PSALM 31:9-169 Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away from grief, my soul and body also. 10 For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my misery, and my bones waste away.11 I am the scorn of all my adversaries, a horror to my neighbors, an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me. 12 I have passed out of mind like one who is dead; I have become like a broken vessel. ForI hear the whispering of many — terror all around! — as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life.14 But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” 15 My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors. 16 Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.
- Light a candle to remember Christ's presence with you.
- Sit five to fifteen minutes in silent meditation paying attention to the deep breath.
- Consider the place(s) where you feel broken today.
- What metaphor of brokenness above captures your attention?
- Where do you feel this in your body?
- How does this affect your daily routine?
- What desire for healing arises in you?
- Lift your face to the Lord for the light and love to shine upon you.
- Relax your shoulders.
- Feel the presence of Christ.
- Be loved.
- Be healed.
- Be forgiven.
- Rest in the steadfast love of the Lord.
- Share this love with all you encounter today.
- Give thanks to God for this time in prayer and for any new insights you have received.
- Share as you feel led in the reply box below.
Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, April 1, 2012, Palm Sunday (Passion Sunday) Year BIsaiah 50:4-9aPsalm 31:9-16Philippians 2:5-11Mark 14:1-15,47If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author. Permission to use in not-for-profit settings The Rev. Lil Smith, M.Div., DASD
