Delight in the Lord: Psalm 1:1-6

https://youtu.be/20aX8s1qRwg

Psalm 1:1-6

¹Happy are those

who do not follow the advice of the wicked,

or take the path that sinners tread,

or sit in the seat of scoffers;

²but their delight is in the law of the LORD,

and on his law they meditate day and night.

³They are like trees

planted by streams of water,

which yield their fruit in its season,

and their leaves do not wither.

In all that they do, they prosper.

⁴The wicked are not so,

but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

⁵Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,

nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;

⁶for the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,

but the way of the wicked will perish.

• 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.
• As you pay attention to the breath, plant your feet on the ground and settle into your sit bones.
• Feel roots begin to grow from your feet into the ground…roots seeking water.
• Imagine the rich, moist soil by the water for which your roots are thirsting.
• Feel your roots meet the water.
• Allow the water to soak into you.  Notice which parched parts of you find relief from the water.
• Which leaves are enlivened and green up with water?
• What fruit is waiting to grow?
• What is God’s invitation for you?
• 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, February 13, 2022, the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Jeremiah 17:5-10
Psalm 1:1-6
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Luke 6:17-26

If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author. Permission to use in not-for-profit settings.  (c) 2022 The Rev. Dr. Lil Smith, DASD

Rev. 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.