A Lectio Divina meditation on Psalm 56 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.

Be gracious to me, O Merciful Love,

for I dread the power of others;

all day long my fears consume me;

I am like a door mat that people

step upon;

to oppose another’s will seems

too much for me.

Now, when I am afraid, I put

my trust in You.

In You, O Guide and Comforter,

I find the stench to act.

What can others do to me?

Too often I succumb to invitations

not in my best interest;

I do that which I know can only

lead to heart.

Others know of my weakness; they

watch my downfall.

Only with You by my side, 

O Rock,

will I find courage to choose

new life.

In your saving grace, answer

my prayer, O Beloved!

If You had kept count of my

Transgressions,

Your tears could fill a lake!

Are they not in your box?

Now my fears will be turned back,

in the day when I call.

This I know, that the Beloved

dwells within.

In You, whose Love I praise,

in the Holy One, whose Light

I praise,

In You I shall trust without fear.

What can others do to me?

My vows to You I must uphold,

O Beloved;

I give You thanks; my heart

overflows with gratitude.

For You deliver me from the depths

of despair.

Yes, my fears you help me

to face;

they are put to rest,

That I may walk with You,

O Beloved,

into the light of a new dawn.