Psalm 138 - You stretch out your hand...

Psalm 138:1-8¹   I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise; ²   I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness; for you have exalted your name and your word above everything. ³   On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul.⁴   All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O LORD, for they have heard the words of your mouth. ⁵   They shall sing of the ways of the LORD, for great is the glory of the LORD. ⁶   For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly; but the haughty he perceives from far away.⁷   Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies; you stretch out your hand, and your right hand delivers me. ⁸   The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

• Light a candle to remember Christ's presence with you.
• Sit five to fifteen minutes in silent meditation paying close attention to the deep breath.
• As you inhale, breathe in God's steadfast love and faithfulness.
• As you exhale, let go of any tension keeping your from the freedom of God.
• Continue to breathe as you create freedom within you.
• Consider the midst of trouble you are encountering.
• Scan your body and notice where this trouble is located in you.
• Focus on this place of trouble as you continue to breathe.
• See God's hand stretch out toward you as you share the trouble with God.
• Continue to share with God until you feel lightness created in the midst of this trouble.
• Invite God to show you a path through the trouble.
• The Lord will fulfill the Lord's purpose for you.
• Keep awake during the day as you remain open to God's leading hand.
• 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, June 10, 2012, the Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year BI Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15)Psalm 138:1-82 Corinthians 4:13-5:1Mark 3:20-35If 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.