Liturgy of the Passion: Psalm 31:9-16 - Deliver me from the hands of my enemies

Psalm 31:9-16

⁹   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.¹³  For I 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 silence bringing your attention to the Breath.
• The morning brought Hosannas and rejoicing.
• As the day goes on the distress and the grief returns.
• Something is not right.  I have lost sight of you.
• I hear the whispers of those who plot to take my life.
• Who is plotting to take your life?  Who wants you to turn away from God?
• Turn to the light and feel the warmth on your face. Feel the face of God shine upon you.
• Stay turned to the light as you invite God to deliver you from your enemies.
• What is your message from God?
• 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 9, 2017, Palm Sunday (Passion Sunday) (Year A)Liturgy of the Palms:Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29Matthew 21:1-11Liturgy of the Passion:Isaiah 50:4-9aPsalm 31:9-16Philippians 2:5-11Matthew 26:14-27:66If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author. Permission to use in not-for-profit settings (c) 2017 The Rev. Lil Smith, M.Div., DASD