A Lectio Divina meditation on Psalm 41 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.

Who among us hears the cry of the poor?

How many open their hearts

and heed the Call?

The plight of the world is a wound

to the very Heart of Love,

a scar on our own souls.

Blessed are those who lovingly respond!

The Friend, who knows all hearts,

will remember their kindness.

They will know joy, peace, and deep 

fulfilment working in harmony

with all who serve toward healing

the needs of this trouble world. 

As for me, I prayed, “O Soul Mender,

be gracious unto me

.

For I have been deaf to those in need;

my fears paralysed me.

I am bound like a prisoner held

in my own house,

alone and abandoned.

Each fear I push away or deny

rises up with power;

Feeling anxious, lies and deceit

take the place of truth.

I can hide no longer; my confusion,

the way I blame others,

have turned even my friends away.”

“O Divine Healer, help me face the fears

that threaten to overwhelm me;

Without your guidance, they will

bring about what I most fear!

I am on my knees asking for forgiveness;

give me strength to turn all

that separates me from You

into love and kindness.

You, who are Unconditional Love, You

Do not judge our weaknesses;

raise me up, that I may be renewed 

in body, mind and soul!

By this I know that You have 

Graciously forgiven me;

fear did not triumph over me,

though my heart was broken open

so the light could enter in.

You upheld me, filled me with integrity,

And opened my heart to the poor.

Blessed be the Beloved, loving Presence

to all hearts open to Love,

from everlasting to everlasting!

Amen.