Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 - My times are in your hand

Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16

¹   In you, O LORD, I seek refuge;do not let me ever be put to shame;in your righteousness deliver me.²   Incline your ear to me;rescue me speedily.Be a rock of refuge for me,a strong fortress to save me.³   You are indeed my rock and my fortress;for your name’s sake lead me and guide me,⁴   take me out of the net that is hidden for me,for you are my refuge.⁵   Into your hand I commit my spirit;you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God¹⁵  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.
• With each inhale seek freedom to sit in refuge with God
• With each exhale, let go of anything keeping you from freedom.
• Continue the inhale and exhale until you are in refuge with God (as much as you can be today).
• Sit in refuge.  Be with freedom in refuge.
• Sit in refuge.  Invite your body to take in what it needs from God.
• Sit in refuge.  Invite your spirit to embrace what it needs from God.
• Sit in refuge.  Invite your mind to store away what it needs from God.
• Who are the enemies and persecutors?
• In God's hands, you are delivered from the enemies and persecutors.
• See yourself in God's hands.
• Drink in the love that surrounds you.  God's steadfast love holds you and redeems you and gives you strength.
• 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, May 14, 2017, the Fifth Sunday of Easter (Year A)Acts 7:55-60Psalm 31:1-5, 15-161 Peter 2:2-10John 14:1-14If 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