A Lectio Divina meditation on Psalm 45 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 address my verses to the 

Heart of all hearts;

My tongue is like the pen

of a ready scribe.

My heart overflows with gratitude 

and peace; 

You are the lodestar for humankind;

grace springs forth from your Love;

You, who are closer than our breath,

speak to us from the silence.

Those who listen and heed are

blessed beyond belief!

Put on the voice of authority,

O Beloved, speak to us in 

your glory and grandeur!

With mercy and strength go forth

for the cause of Truth to

teach Love’s way;

with resolute authority awaken

your people towards wholeness!

Your ways are narrow, and few there are

who choose to follow;

many stumble and fall all

along the Way.

Your Divine Presence endures forever

and ever.

Your sovereign edict is ordained

with justice;

your love its unconditional,

without reserve.

Therefore, O Creator, O Heart of Love,

anoint us with

the oil of gladness to share

with all;

your raiment is as fragrant blossoms,

fruit of the earth,

healing herbs from nature’s bounty.

From every direction stringed instruments

will gladden our hearts;

our friends will be mature and kind,

filled with integrity,

standing beside us in times of need. 

Hear, O people, consider, and

incline your ear; 

Forget what has gone before you;

turn your feet to the path of Love.

Open your hearts to the Beloved,

learn of humility, be blessed

even in brokenness,

For those are the treasures stored 

in eternity. 

All glorious is the soul within,

the abode of the Merciful One;

through many trials and suffering

do you come to the Beloved,

refined by fire as you follow

Love’s way

With joy and gladness you are led along,

as you awaken to the Heart

of your heart.

Instead of a house of fear, you

will come to dwell with Love,

you will radiate the light of truth

to all the earth.

There will you celebrate the Beloved

for all generations to come,

the people will praise Love’s way

for ever and ever.