A Lectio Divina meditation on Psalm 53 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.

Those lacking in understanding may say,

“There is no Divine Presence.”

They have not yet opened their hearts

to the Divine Guest,

to the Beloved, who dwells within.

The Holy Spirit seeks out hearts

that have been broken,

Ever ready to heal them with

strength and new life.

Even when a heart remains closed,

seeking its own will,

The Beloved waits with abiding courtesy

to hear the inward call.

Many there are who know not Love,

labouring only for money and power,

Becoming greedy and dissatisfied, 

oppressing the poor and

the weak.

There they are: fear besets them – 

fear that others will steal their

wealth,

that their riches will be scattered

and lost;

they live in prisons of their own

making.

O, that deliverance would come!

For, when they seek Treasure 

within,

They will be blessed and know

the joy, friendship, and love

of the Beloved in all hearts.