Psalm 13:1-6 - How long must I bear pain in my soul

Psalm 13:1-6

¹    How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever?How long will you hide your face from me?²   How long must I bear pain in my soul,and have sorrow in my heart all day long?How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?³   Consider and answer me, O LORD my God!Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death,⁴   and my enemy will say, “I have prevailed”;my foes will rejoice because I am shaken.⁵   But I trusted in your steadfast love;my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.⁶   I will sing to the LORD,because he has dealt bountifully with me.

• Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
• Sit five to fifteen minutes in silence bringing your attention to the Breath.
• Bring your attention to a place within you that feels distant from God.
• Feel the yearning you have for God here.
• Use your imagination to pay attention to the details of this place within you:  the feeling, the color, the texture, the smell, the taste, etc.  Describe this place in detail.  See this place within you.
• Invite God to give light to your eyes.
• Allow the divine light of God to bring healing to this place.
• Turn away from anything trying to distract you from the light.
• See the light bringing you healing.
• What song arises from this place?
• 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, July 2, 2017, the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)Genesis 22:1-14Psalm 13:1-6Romans 6:12-23Matthew 10:40-42If 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