A Lectio Divina meditation on Psalm 40 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.

I waited patiently for the Beloved,

who heard my cry and

came to me.

Love raised me from the pits of 

Despair,

out of confusion and fear,

and set my feet upon a rock

making my steps secure.

There is a new song in my mouth,

a song of praise to the Beloved.

May many see and rejoice, may they

put their trust in Love.

Blessed are those who make Love

their home, 

who do not turn to the proud,

to those who follow false idols!

O Beloved, how wondrous are your gifts

to us; your thoughts are beyond imagination.

What joy to live in Oneness with You!

Were we to proclaim and tell of Your

beauty and blessed grace,

Who could measure it?

Sacrifice and offering are not

your desire for us;

For, you have opened our

heart’s ear. 

Burn’t offerings are not required.

My heart affirms my surrender;

in the Book of Life it is written:

“I abandon myself into your hands,

for I love You and wish only

to create with You,

O my Beloved;

For You are the Life of my life forever.”

I tell the glad news of 

Love’s way

to all who will listen.

Yes I raise my voice,

with praise and acclamation.

I tell of Love’s saving grace

Within my heart,

I speak of Love’s faithfulness

and healing power. 

I aspire to reveal your steadfast love

and truth

through the witness of my life.

Do not, O Beloved, withhold

Your mercy from me, 

Let your Love, your Light,

and faithfulness ever

guide and uphold me.

For fears so often overwhelm me

My desires and anger cause me

to be blind; so

I look away when I see injustice, 

my heart becomes cold.

In your mercy, O Beloved, deliver me!

O Love, make haste to help me!

Let my fears be put to rest, 

fears that separate me from You;

Let all that keeps me from love,

From peace and gratitude,

be transformed within me.

And may all who seek Love

rejoice and be glad;

May all who would live truth

and justice,

continually call upon Love!

As for me, though often broken

and weak,

I know that Love dwells within.

For now, where injustice or illusion

make their home,

I witness to your Peace and Love,

O Teacher and Friend to All!