Psalm 107: Redeemed from Trouble

Psalm 107:1-9, 43

¹O give thanks to the LORD,

for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.

²Let the redeemed of the LORD say so,

those he redeemed from trouble

³and gathered in from the lands,

from the east and from the west,

from the north and from the south.

⁴Some wandered in desert wastes,

finding no way to an inhabited town;

⁵hungry and thirsty,

their soul fainted within them.

⁶Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,

and he delivered them from their distress;

⁷he led them by a straight way,

until they reached an inhabited town.

⁸Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love,

for his wonderful works to humankind.

⁹For he satisfies the thirsty,

and the hungry he fills with good things.

⁴³Let those who are wise give heed to these things,

and consider the steadfast love of the LORD.

• Light a candle to remember Christ's presence with you.
• Sit in silent meditation 5 to 15 minutes paying attention to the breath.
• What do you cry out to God today?
• How does this cry reflect God's desire for you?
• Sit with God's desire for you.
• How does your desire and God's desire for you meet?
• What fruit is growing?
• Give thanks to God for this time to consider God's desire for you and for any new insights you have received.
• Share as you feel led in the reply box below.

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, August 4, 2019, the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year CHosea 11:1-11Psalm 107:1-9, 43Colossians Colossians 3:1-11Luke 12:13-21If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author. Permission to use in not-for-profit settings.  (c) 2019 The Rev. Dr. Lil Smith, DASDRev. Dr. Lil Smith is a trained spiritual director, supervisor, and co-founder of Retreat House Spirituality Center in Richardson, TX.  Upon completion of her spiritual direction certification, Lil began Praying the Lectionary in 2011 as a spiritual practice for her morning prayer time.  Instead of reading about someone else’s experience of God, it was important for her to create a prayer practice that would encourage felt sense experience of the Holy emerging from within.  It dawned on her others might enjoy the practice, as well.  So she began to share them on this site.As you experience the practice of Praying the Lectionary, adopt a loving, caring, and compassionate stance.  If the end of your prayer and meditation time is not pointing to love and hope, there is more work to do.  Keep wrestling.  God is faithful to your journey.  Love and hope will emerge.  Be gentle with yourself and befriend any judgment that arises in you.