Psalm 31 I have become like a broken vessel…

PSALM 31:9-16

9   Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; 
          my eye wastes away from grief, 
          my soul and body also. 
10  For my life is spent with sorrow, 
          and my years with sighing; 
     my strength fails because of my misery, 
          and my bones waste away.

11  I am the scorn of all my adversaries, 
          a horror to my neighbors, 
     an object of dread to my acquaintances; 
          those who see me in the street flee from me. 
12  I have passed out of mind like one who is dead; 
          I have become like a broken vessel. 
     ForI hear the whispering of many — 
          terror all around! — 
     as they scheme together against me, 
          as they plot to take my life.

14  But I trust in you, O LORD; 
          I say, “You are my God.” 
15  My times are in your hand; 
          deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors. 
16  Let your face shine upon your servant; 
          save me in your steadfast love.

  • Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
  • Sit five to fifteen minutes in silent meditation paying attention to the deep breath.
  • Consider the place(s) where you feel broken today.
  • What metaphor of brokenness above captures your attention?
  • Where do you feel this in your body?
  • How does this affect your daily routine?
  • What desire for healing arises in you?
  • Lift your face to the Lord for the light and love to shine upon you.
  • Relax your shoulders.
  • Feel the presence of Christ.
  • Be loved.
  • Be healed.
  • Be forgiven.
  • Rest in the steadfast love of the Lord.
  • Share this love with all you encounter today.
  • Give thanks to God for this time in prayer and for any new insights you have received.
  • Share as you feel led in the reply box below.

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, April 1, 2012, Palm Sunday (Passion Sunday) Year B
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm 31:9-16
Philippians 2:5-11
Mark 14:1-15,47

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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