suffering of Christ

2 Samuel 1:1,17-27 – How the mighty have fallen in the midst of battle.

/ Lil Smith / Leave a comment

2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27

1After the death of Saul, when David had returned from defeating the Amalekites, David remained two days in Ziklag.

17David intoned this lamentation over Saul and his son Jonathan. 18(He ordered that The Song of the Bow be taught to the people of Judah; it is written in the Book of Jashar.) He said: 19Your glory, O Israel, lies slain upon your high places! How the mighty have fallen! 20Tell it not in Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon; or the daughters of the Philistines will rejoice, the daughters of the uncircumcised will exult. 21You mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew or rain upon you, nor bounteous fields! For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, anointed with oil no more.22From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not turn back, nor the sword of Saul return empty. 23Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely! In life and in death they were not divided; they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. 24O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you with crimson, in luxury, who put ornaments of gold on your apparel. 25How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan lies slain upon your high places. 26I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; greatly beloved were you to me; your love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. 27How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war perished!

  • 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 pay attention to your breath, tap into a place of lament.
  • Perhaps you grieve the loss of a loved one or you have been limited in some way.
  • Allow this place to come to the surface and share your lament with Christ.
  • As Christ know suffering, surely Christ will accompany you in this time.
  • Take time to lament the loss.
  • Take time to remember.
  • Let Christ hold you.
  • Breathe.
  • Allow the times of joy to fill your breath.  Remember the laughter, the tears, the kiss, the comfort.
  • The mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle.
  • What battle was fought for the Lord?
  • As you sit on this side of the suffering, what goodness did God create in the midst of your lament?
  • God continues to provide healing for you.
  • Embrace the healing that God wants to give you new each day.
  • 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, July 1, 2012, the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27
Psalm 130
2 Corinthians 8:7-15
Mark 5:21-43

If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author. Permission to use in not-for-profit settings. (c) 2018 The Dr. Rev. Lil Smith, DASD

2 Samuel 1:1,17-27 – How the mighty have fallen in the midst of battle.

/ Lil Smith / Leave a comment

2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27

1After the death of Saul, when David had returned from defeating the Amalekites, David remained two days in Ziklag.

17David intoned this lamentation over Saul and his son Jonathan. 18(He ordered that The Song of the Bow be taught to the people of Judah; it is written in the Book of Jashar.) He said: 19Your glory, O Israel, lies slain upon your high places! How the mighty have fallen! 20Tell it not in Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon; or the daughters of the Philistines will rejoice, the daughters of the uncircumcised will exult. 21You mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew or rain upon you, nor bounteous fields! For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, anointed with oil no more.22From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not turn back, nor the sword of Saul return empty. 23Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely! In life and in death they were not divided; they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. 24O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you with crimson, in luxury, who put ornaments of gold on your apparel. 25How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan lies slain upon your high places. 26I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; greatly beloved were you to me; your love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. 27How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war perished!

  • 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 pay attention to your breath, tap into a place of lament.
  • Perhaps you grieve the loss of a loved one or you have been limited in some way.
  • Allow this place to come to the surface and share your lament with Christ.
  • As Christ know suffering, surely Christ will accompany you in this time.
  • Take time to lament the loss.
  • Take time to remember.
  • Let Christ hold you.
  • Breathe.
  • Allow the times of joy to fill your breath.  Remember the laughter, the tears, the kiss, the comfort.
  • The mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle.
  • What battle was fought for the Lord?
  • As you sit on this side of the suffering, what goodness did God create in the midst of your lament?
  • God continues to provide healing for you.
  • Embrace the healing that God wants to give you new each day.
  • 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, July 1, 2012, the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27
Psalm 130
2 Corinthians 8:7-15
Mark 5:21-43

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.