Lectio Divina on Psalm 121 from The Passion Translation

I look up to the mountains and hills, longing for God’s help.

But then I realise that our true help and protection

come only from the Lord,

our Creator who made the heavens and the earth.

He will guard and guide me, never letting me stumble or fall.

God is my keeper; he will never forget nor ignore me.

He will never slumber nor sleep;

he is the Guardian-God for his people, Israel.

Jehovah himself will watch over you;

he’s always at your side to shelter you safely in his presence.

He’s protecting you from all danger both day and night.

He will keep you from every form of evil or calamity

as he continually watches over you.

You will be guarded by God himself.

You will be safe when you leave your home

and safely you will return.

He will protect you now,

and he’ll protect you forevermore!

Read the Psalm slowly the first time, allowing the whole Psalm to wash over you like a balm.

Read it again this time being attentive to any words or phrases that jump out or resonate with you.

Read once more and linger…

What strength do I need right now?

If you identify a need you have, it may help to name it. You may want to open your hands in a gesture of receiving what you need.

Is there anywhere in life at this time where you feel as if you’re stumbling, don’t know the way or are tripping up?

Be aware of those places of stumbling and uncertainty.

In this moment create some space within the uncertainty for it to be heard and seen.

Allow this space to speak about what you need.

Name the need that arises if it’s helpful to do so.

Is there a part of you that needs or is asking for protection?

Where do I feel unprotected?

What do I need protecting from?

What do I need in order to feel protected?

Read the Psalm once more to allow what you need to be given through its words.

Finishing with some breath prayer.

Close the eyes and bring attention to breath.

Feel the air in through nose, throat, chest, into the belly.

Exhale, the belly empties and the air travels back up through the chest, throat.

Focus on breath.

As you inhale breathe in all that you need, the strength, protection. Receive it as gift, wrapped in lovingkindness.

As you exhale, let your prayers be breathed out to God knowing that they’re heard and responded to. In the exhale, let go of places of struggle, of anxieties.

Inhale – I am loved

Exhale – I am loved.