A Lectio Divina meditation on Psalm 50 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.

The beloved, through the energy of Love,

brought forth the world.

From rising to the setting sun,

Love radiates out to all the nations

perfect in beauty.

The Beloved has come and will not

keep silence; for

Divine Love is a consuming Fire,

calling forth heaven and earth

to the judgement of all people;

“Gather around, my loyal friends,

all who by repentance and recompense

follow the inner Way.”

The universe forever proclaims justice,

And, the Beloved’s Indwelling Presence

guides those who hear with

their heart’s ear.

“Listen, all people, and I shall speak;

I will bear witness against you,

O nations;

As Divine Presence, Eternal Flame of Love,

Shall I not find fault with what 

you call holy,

Theses offerings of greed and war

that are before Me always?

Your lies and deceitful ways, 

your greed for power and wealth

are spawned by darkness.

Have you forgotten that we are to be

One in Love and Truth,

that all life is Sacred Gift?

I know every creature, every plant,

every mineral;

I know you – your every need

and your fears;

The Earth and all that is in it

belongs to the Whole, to be

Tended by all in co-operation

with Love.

Shall I accept your proud and

boasting hearts,

the oppression, the injustices

brought about

through your fearful deeds?

Never shall I accept such burnt offerings!

Rather, offer to the Beloved a gift

of thanksgiving

with grateful hearts;

For what other return can you make

for all that Love offers to you? 

My friends, search for the still voice

that dwells in the Silence.

If you call upon Me in times of trouble,

I am ever present to you.

You will know Me in your hearts,

as you honour my love for you.

To you, whose hearts have turned 

to stone I say: 

“What right have you to mouth empty prayers,

and make so free with words

attributed to Love – 

You, who Harte correction and turn away

when you hear my Voice speaking

within your heart?

You rob the poor with your greed

and prejudice;

You consort with murder and destruction;

You blame others for your own

deceitful ways,

thinking I am blind to your

iniquities.

The air, the earth, and the seas

have become foul with the pollution

of your self-seeking ways

in the name of nationalism, security,

and progress. 

All this you have done, and shall

I keep silence?

You think that I am another like yourself,

But, point by point, I shall

rebuke you to your face.

Think well on this, you who disdain

Divine Love;

for you will reap in proportion 

the suffering that you have sown,

and no-one will be able to save you

from your own destruction.”

All who surrender to the love of

the Great Mystery,

whose hearts are merciful and kind,

will go in beauty and walk with grace;

And all who reverence Love’s Eternal Flame,

will know Love’s Companioning Presence.