Psalm 138:1-8

¹   I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart;
before the gods I sing your praise;
²   I bow down toward your holy temple
and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness;
for you have exalted your name and your word
above everything.
³   On the day I called, you answered me,
you increased my strength of soul.

⁴   All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O LORD,
for they have heard the words of your mouth.
⁵   They shall sing of the ways of the LORD,
for great is the glory of the LORD.
⁶   For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly;
but the haughty he perceives from far away.

⁷   Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies;
you stretch out your hand,
and your right hand delivers me.
⁸   The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.

• Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
• Sit five to fifteen minutes in silent meditation paying close attention to the deep breath.
• As you inhale, breathe in God’s steadfast love and faithfulness.
• As you exhale, let go of any tension keeping your from the freedom of God.
• Continue to breathe as you create freedom within you.
• Consider the midst of trouble you are encountering.
• Scan your body and notice where this trouble is located in you.
• Focus on this place of trouble as you continue to breathe.
• See God’s hand stretch out toward you as you share the trouble with God.
• Continue to share with God until you feel lightness created in the midst of this trouble.
• Invite God to show you a path through the trouble.
• The Lord will fulfill the Lord’s purpose for you.
• Keep awake during the day as you remain open to God’s leading hand.
• 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, June 10, 2012, the Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

I Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15)
Psalm 138:1-8
2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1
Mark 3:20-35

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.