Finding a Home in the Psalms

My heart was tired and needed a place to rest. My was mind weary from carrying thoughts in circles, asking questions that could not be answered, worrying over things that were not mine to hold. I knew I could get stuck there; I often have. But today as I folded laundry at my bed I found a path to rest.

I have mentioned before that I’m learning to pray the Psalms, learning to find a home in prayers that others have written. I’m still learning. My friend Hallie, a writer and pray-er, invited me to a new way to pray the psalms, another way to let my soul steep in God through words and beauty and poetry.

It was in a class, and she asked us to take Psalm 23, and line by line rewrite it in our own words.  Each line, each thought, I took and I asked what it meant for me right now. What does it mean that Jesus restores my soul? That he prepares a table for me? It was simple and I did it in fifteen minutes in a room full of women all doing the same thing, but the result was beautiful to me and powerful. It’s become a prayer I can pray when all the words in my head are hurried, fearful, or angry; or when I am too tired to have words. And as I pray the lines I remember things that I know, but sometimes forget; I remember who I am and whom I belong to; and my heart can still.

Here is my prayer. Take it if you want to, or go make your own.

 

I belong to you, my shepherd, and that is all I need.

I rest with you, sheltered and nourished.

I follow you into quiet places;

I am made whole in your presence.

You lead me into goodness and beauty

–because you are like that.

 

When I feel unsure and lost,

when darkness hangs heavy around me–

I remember that I am yours and you are here.

I lift my head and breathe deeply of your love.

I will wait for your touch and receive courage at your direction.

You offer me abundant provision along with your protection.

 

You bless me with beauty and love;

I have everything I need and more.

I will live a life of abundance simply because of your grace,

and in the end you will bring me to live with you in your home.

4 Comments

  1. Just now found your page and read this. It is beautiful and I am so glad you finding our Lord so near and ready to respond to your needs. I pray for you and your precious Family. Lots of love, Grandma Flokstra

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