Psalm 19:1-14 - Sweeter than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb

 Psalm 19:1-14

¹   The heavens are telling the glory of God;and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.²   Day to day pours forth speech,and night to night declares knowledge.³   There is no speech, nor are there words;their voice is not heard;⁴   yet their voice goes out through all the earth,and their words to the end of the world.In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,⁵   which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy,and like a strong man runs its course with joy.⁶   Its rising is from the end of the heavens,and its circuit to the end of them;and nothing is hidden from its heat.⁷   The law of the LORD is perfect,reviving the soul;the decrees of the LORD are sure,making wise the simple;⁸   the precepts of the LORD are right,rejoicing the heart;the commandment of the LORD is clear,enlightening the eyes;⁹   the fear of the LORD is pure,enduring for ever;the ordinances of the LORD are trueand righteous altogether.¹⁰  More to be desired are they than gold,even much fine gold;sweeter also than honey,and drippings of the honeycomb.¹¹  Moreover by them is your servant warned;in keeping them there is great reward.¹²  But who can detect their errors?Clear me from hidden faults.¹³  Keep back your servant also from the insolent;do not let them have dominion over me.Then I shall be blameless,and innocent of great transgression.¹⁴  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heartbe acceptable to you,O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

• Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
• Sit five to fifteen minutes in silence bringing your attention to the Breath.
• Hear the words of the Psalmist, "Clear me from hidden thoughts."
• Listen to what you know in your head.  What hidden thoughts are living there?  How do you desire to live the way of the Lord today?
• Listen to what you know in your heart.  What hidden feelings are living there?  How do you desire to live the way of the Lord today?
• Listen to what you know in your gut.  What hidden intuitions are living there?  How do you desire to live the way of the Lord today?
• Notice any consonance or dissonance.
• What new thoughts/feelings/intuitions does this reveal in you?
• 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, October 8, 2017, the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20Psalm 19:1-14Philippians 3:4b-14Matthew 21:33-46If 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