A Psalm and a Prayer
A Psalm and a Prayer in this Springtime
Psalm
“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; for he has founded it on the seas, and established in on the rivers. Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully.” Psalm 24: 1-4
Prayer
By Dr. Walter Brueggemann from “Awed to Heaven Rooted in Earth: Prayers of Walter Brueggemann”, pg. 28
We yearn, in every season, for your presence;
We know that our hearts will be restless, until they rest in you;
We are like deer who seek a watering hole in the drought;
We hear invitations for “all who are weary and heavy-laden…”
And approach to you seems ready and easy.
Truth to tell, we do pant restlessly,
But not always for you.
Sometimes, instead for security
Or sex and beer and sports,
Or power and success,
Or beauty and acceptance…not seeking you.
Truth to tell, we know you to be no easy mark,
With your rigorous entrance requirements
Of blamelessness, truth-telling, no bribes,
And all manner of neighborliness.
We yearn for you in every season,
Making you too easy, imagining you too difficult,
Bewildered and unsure until you give yourself concretely to us…
As you have done and as you do. Amen.