A Lectio Divina meditation on Psalm 48 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.

Great is the Beloved and greatly

to be praised

in the abode of the Most High!

The holy mountain, beautiful 

in elevation,

is the joy of all the earth;

Clear as crystal within its

pearly gates,

Within the stronghold of open hearts,

the Beloved’s voice can be heard.

For lo, the inner fears assembled,

they came forth together.

As soon as they saw the Beloved, 

they were in panic, they took

to flight;

Trembling before the eyes of Love,

they laboured for a stronghold.

Through the Heart’s ear, the Word

can be heard,

The refining Fore of Divine Mercy

melted hearts held in bondage

by fear and illusion,

In the abode of the Most High,

where the Beloved lives forever.

We have pondered your steadfast 

Love, O Beloved, 

in the midst of our hearts, 

Your Holy Temple.

We call on your name, O Holy One, 

and praise You to the ends 

of the earth.

Your word is our armour of strength

let us rejoice and be glad!

Let all peoples rejoice because

of your forgiving love! 

See with your heart’s eye

the crystal mountain,

note the clarity and purity within;

Consider well the essence of love,

the echoes of mercy and justice,

That you may tell the generations

to come

that this is the Beloved,

our hope for ever and ever.

Yes, the Blessed One will be with us

for ever!