psalm one

 

Psalm 1

“Blessed are the man and the woman

who have grown beyond their greed

and have put an end to their hatred

and no longer nourish illusions.

But they delight in the way things are

and keep their hearts open, day and night.

They are like trees planted near flowing rivers,

which bear fruit when they are ready.

Their leaves will not fall or wither.

Everything they do will succeed.”

translated by Stephen Mitchell

from The Enlightened Heart

p. 5

art by Frits Thaulow from here

Psalm 23, rewritten

Psalm 23

The Lord is my Savior

He calls me out of the downward spirals of life

He creates a place of calm and rest in the midst of the swirling storm

And invites me to join Him there.

He meets me in the strangest places … and faces

I do not wish for hardship, but I would not trade the pain I’ve had

Because You meet me there in surprising ways;

I get to know You better, and my heart’s capacity grows.

Your delight and enjoyment of me invite me,

and draw me out of my shame.

For I am dirty before You.

Still, You smile at me,

and give me the gift of Your Presence.

You grow a solid center within me as I am honest with You.

You honor me with gifts in my ordinary life.

You erase the shame of my dirt with Your smile

(regardless of whether I was given the dirt or created it myself)

because Your anger was spent in Jesus’ blood.

You play loose with Your own reputation by choosing me

… and yet …

You tell me You are sure of Your choice.

And I believe You.

Your pursuit of me fills me with honor.

Your pleasure in me grows my beauty.

And I want to know You more deeply and fully.

There is so much life and love to share.

- Jeanette Scott, lover of Christ, therapist & dear friend

psalm 53

I'm really enjoying Nan Merrill's "Psalms for Praying - an Invitation to Wholeness" - for it is a wonderful companion to the Hebrew Scriptures. Here is a taste -

Psalm 53

Those lacking in understanding may say,
"There is no Divine Presence."
They have not yet opened their hearts
to the Divine Guest,
to the Beloved, who dwells within.

The Holy Spirit seeks our hearts
that have been broken,
ever ready to heal them with
strength and new life.

Even when a heart remains closed,
seeking its own will,
The Beloved waits with abiding courtesy
to hear the inward call.

Many there are who know not Love,
laboring only for money and power,
Becoming greedy and dissatisfied,
oppressing the poor and
the weak.

There they are; fear besets them-
fear that others will steal their
wealth.
that their riches will be scattered
and lost;
they live in prisons of their own
making.

O, that deliverance would come to them!
For, when they seek the Treasure
within,
they will be blessed and know
the joy, friendship, and love
of the Beloved in all hearts.

p. 99
artwork: "David and the Fool" from here