A Lectio Divina meditation on Psalm 30 from Nan Merrill’s book Psalms for Praying

Experience stillness and in the quiet hear what God is offering from these rich and hope-filled words.

All praise to You, O Beloved,

for You have raised me up,

and have not let my fears

overwhelm me.

O Compassionate One, I cried

for help, and You

comforted me.

You, O Love, helped release 

my soul from despair;

You gave me strength to face

my fears; now

love is awakening in me.

Sing Praises to the Beloved,

All you saints,

giving thanks to Love’s holy Name.

Love withdraws when we close our hearts,

yet ever awaits an open door.

In the evening we may weep,

yet joy comes in the morning.

In my prosperity, I had lost sight

of Love,

I found power in my wealth.

In your mercy, O Beloved, my foundations

You shook,

and in recognising my separation

from You,

I was dismayed.

I cried to You for help; to You,

I pleaded for forgiveness:

“What profit in my riches if

I am separated from Love?

Will emptiness praise You?

Will it tell of your faithfulness?

Hear me, O Beloved, and be gracious to me!

O Love, hasten to my assistance!”

And You turned my mourning into dancing;

You set me free and

clothed me with gladness.

My soul rejoices and is glad in You;

Songs of gratitude fill My soul

rising up to You, O Beloved.

Amen.