Let me come once again to your Table, Beloved, forgive all that separates me from You, that I might be made whole.
A Lectio Divina meditation on Psalm 69 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
Answer me, O Beloved, for I know of
your compassion;
in your abundant mercy, turn
toward me.
Do not hide yourself from your
wayward child.
Draw near to me as in days gone by,
redeem me,
set me free from my fears as
I repent of my erring ways.
For You know how I have strayed,
You know my feelings of guilt
and my regret;
my fears are also known to You.
How small I feel when I turn to You;
You who were insulted and spit upon,
whose Heart was pierced with
no one to comfort You.
They gave You no food of understanding,
and for you thirst, they gave
You vinegar to drink.
Let me come once again to your Table,
Beloved,
forgive all that separates me
from You,
that I might be made whole.
Let me see with the heart’s eye;
let me hear through the heart’s ear.
Give me sensitivity to hear
your Word,
and the courage to speak it,
May my home become a house of prayer,
that others might come to bask
in your Presence.
May those who have been oppressed
and persecuted
come and find safety and solace
within its doors.
Increase my faith as You draw near,
Loving Companion Presence.
May many come to know You within
their hearts!
Surprise them with the Spirt of Joy,
that they might be glad and
Rejoice!
Take heed of my affliction and pain;
let your saving grace, O Beloved,
set met on high!
I will praise your Name with song;
I will magnify You with
thanksgiving.
For I know this pleases You more
that complaints, or
false promises made under duress.
Let the oppressed see and be glad;
you who seek the Beloved,
let your hearts be renewed.
For the Heart of all hearts hears
those in need,
and pours out Compassion to
those in bondage.
Let heaven and earth praise the Creator,
the seas and all that dwell
Therein.
For in the Most High lies our salvation,
the healing of the nations;
And we, the people of the Eternal One,
are invited, we are called,
to co-creation, to co-operation;
thus will future generations inherit
the plant renewed,
and those who live the way of Love
shall dwell with Love forever.
Amen