Psalm 90 – Have compassion on your servants

PSALM 90:1-6, 13-17

1   Lord, you have been our dwelling place
in all generations.
2   Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

3   You turn us back to dust,
and say, “Turn back, you mortals.”
4   For a thousand years in your sight
are like yesterday when it is past,
or like a watch in the night.

5   You sweep them away; they are like a dream,
like grass that is renewed in the morning;
6   in the morning it flourishes and is renewed;
in the evening it fades and withers.

13  Turn, O LORD! How long?
Have compassion on your servants!
14  Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,
so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
15  Make us glad as many days as you have afflicted us,
and as many years as we have seen evil.
16  Let your work be manifest to your servants,
and your glorious power to their children.
17  Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
and prosper for us the work of our hands —
O prosper the work of our hands!

  • Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
  • Spend 5 to 15 minutes in silent meditation, paying attention to the breath and turning your attention to the presence of the God.
  • As you feel yourself turning to God, where does God’s morning light shine upon you?
  • Feel the warmth of the light.
  • Where does this light need to spread in you?
  • Imagine yourself turning closer to God.
  • Where does God’s midday light shine upon you?
  • Feel the warmth of the light.
  • How is the light spread through the work of your hands, of your feet, of your lips?
  • Where does this light need to spread to others?
  • Imagine yourself turning even closer to God.
  • Where does God’s evening moon shine upon you?
  • How does this reflection of light touch you?
  • Notice where the morning and midday light radiate in your body.
  • Do you notice new light?
  • Is there light that needs to be shared with the world?
  • Is there a call to action for you?
  • Give thanks to God for this time to turn and to be in the light and for any new insights you have received.
  • Share as you feel led in the reply box below.
Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, October 23, 2011,  the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Deut 34:1-12
Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17
I Thessalonians: 2:1-8
Matthew 22:34-46
If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author.
Permission to use in not-for-profit settings The Rev. Lil Smith, M.Div., DASD

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