Psalm 97 from Nan Merrill’s Psalms for Praying

The Bestower of Life reigns with mercy,

let the earth rejoice!

Let the heavens be glad!

Justice preserves creation, allowing it

to blossom and thrive;

hidden within creation, You are

the Heart of everything.

Fire goes before You, burning away the

chaff and the tares.

Your Light enlightens the world;

there is none to compare with You,

O Great Transformer!

All of creation is clothed with

your majesty, mirroring

your Love throughout the cosmos.

The heavens proclaim your righteousness;

and the peoples behold your glory.

Those who walk in darkness dwell in a

house of fear,

zealously following their desire

for power;

they live in the shadows of reality.

Heaven delights and rejoices when

a hardened heart breaks open and

recognises Love’s ever-patient

Presence abiding within.

For You, O Beloved, encompass and bless

all the earth;

You forgive our wrongdoing and

welcome us home.

You, O Beloved, are known by those who

are true to the Promise,

You are the Light of the saints;

You hide yourself in every soul.

Light dawns for the just, and joy for

the upright of heart.

Rejoice in the Most High, O people of

the Light,

and give thanks to the Radiant One,

the Bestower of Life!