Breathe in Trust: Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40

https://youtu.be/uoaGr4VCvmM

Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40

¹Do not fret because of the wicked;

do not be envious of wrongdoers,

²for they will soon fade like the grass,

and wither like the green herb.

³Trust in the LORD, and do good;

so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.

⁴Take delight in the LORD,

and he will give you the desires of your heart.

⁵Commit your way to the LORD;

trust in him, and he will act.

⁶He will make your vindication shine like the light,

and the justice of your cause like the noonday.

⁷Be still before the LORD, and wait patiently for him;

do not fret over those who prosper in their way,

over those who carry out evil devices.

⁸Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath.

Do not fret–it leads only to evil.

⁹For the wicked shall be cut off,

but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land.

¹⁰Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more;

though you look diligently for their place, they will not be there.

¹¹But the meek shall inherit the land,

and delight themselves in abundant prosperity.

³⁹The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD;

he is their refuge in the time of trouble.

⁴⁰The LORD helps them and rescues them;

he rescues them from the wicked, and saves them,

because they take refuge in him.

• Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
• Sit five to fifteen minutes in silence bringing your attention to the Breath.
• Invite your attention to your enemies and negative energy. Set them aside to fade and wither.
• Turn your attention to trust in God.
• Name your trust. Breathe in trust. Breathe out compassion.
• Continue this breath of trust for 2 minutes.
• Turn your attention to delight in God.
• Name your delight. Breathe in delight. Breathe out compassion.
• Continue this breath of delight for 2 minutes.
• Turn your attention to your intention and covenant with God.
• Name your covenant. Breathe in covenant. Breathe out compassion.
• Continue this breath of covenant for 2 minutes.
• Notice the freedom that comes with the breath.
• What is God's invitation for you today?
• 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 20, 2022, the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Genesis 45:3-11, 15
Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40
1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50
Luke 6:27-38

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.