A Lectio Divina meditation on Psalm 72 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

Bring justice to the peoples,

O Beloved,

and your mercy to all

generations!

May the people be known for

mercy,

rendering justice to the poor!

Let their spirits soar as the eagle,

let joy abide in every heart!

May we heed the cry of the poor – 

the young and the old,

helping to free all those in need,

awakening the souls of oppressors!

May we know oneness with You

as long as the sun endures,

as long as the starts shine,

throughout all generations!

May we acknowledge You in the rain

falling on the fields,

like showers that water the earth!

In our day may justice flourish,

and peace abound,

throughout all the nations!

May every heart open to your Love

from sea to sea,

from the River of Life out

to the universe!

May fears that paralyse the people 

rise up from the depths 

into Your Light!

May the leaders of nations from

all the earth,

listen to Love’s Voice;

May they spend time in Silence 

before they counsel!

May the leaders surrender to 

your Love, and the nations

serve the Most High!

For You heed the needy when 

they call,

the poor and those who have

no friend.

You have compassion on the weak,

the downtrodden, 

giving them strength and 

Hope.

From injustice and oppression,

You redeem their life;

and precious are they in 

your Heart.

Long may you live in our hearts,

may praises be sing to You!

May our prayers rise up before You

and blessings of love be

freely rendered!

May we be ever grateful for the

grain of the fields, 

for the fruits of the vine

to be shared with all;

And may the people blossom forth

in the cities, diverse

like flowers in the meadow!

May your Name live on forever,

your Love endure as long as 

the sun!

May the people bless themselves

in knowing You, and

all nations call You blessed!

Blessed be the Beloved, the One

who dwells in open hearts,

who guides us along the way.

Blessed be You, who comes in 

Name of Love;

may your glory fill the earth!

Amen and Amen!