Psalm 20 - May the LORD Fulfill all Your Petitions

Psalm 20¹   The LORD answer you in the day of trouble! The name of the God of Jacob protect you! ²   May he send you help from the sanctuary, and give you support from Zion. ³   May he remember all your offerings, and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices.                    Selah⁴   May he grant your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans. ⁵   May we shout for joy over your victory, and in the name of our God set up our banners. May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.⁶   Now I know that the LORD will help his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with mighty victories by his right hand. ⁷   Some take pride in chariots, and some in horses, but our pride is in the name of the LORD our God. ⁸   They will collapse and fall, but we shall rise and stand upright.⁹   Give victory to the king, O LORD; answer us when we call.

• 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.
• Consider the prayer that you need answered today.
• Find where this prayer is located in your body.
• Imagine yourself gently taking this prayer outside of your body and holding it cupped in your hands before you.
• Allow the Holy Spirit to hold you as you gently lift the prayer in front of you.
• Notice everything you can about the prayer: the shape, the color, the texture, etc.
• Is there anything about the prayer that surprises you?
• Is there anything about the prayer that is missing?
• What does God have to share with you about your prayer?
• What answer is forming?
• As you close your prayer time today, find a place in your body that wants to accept the prayer and hold it gently.
• Whether or not you have heard the answer or part of the answer, visit the prayer periodically over the day and notice any change or growth.
• 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 17, 2018, the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year BI Samuel 15:34-16:13Psalm 202 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17Mark 4:26-34If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author.Permission to use in not-for-profit settings. (c) 2018 The Rev. Dr. Lil Smith, DASD