Jenny's Psalm Reflections: 61 verse 1

Today’s verse is Psalm 61 VERSE 1

“Hear my cry, O God, and listen to my prayer."

Background:

After quite a number of angry Psalms, we now move to this beautiful short Psalm of comfort which is entitled “Assurance of God’s Protection.” There is beautiful imagery depicting God’s presence. There is an image of “finding refuge under the shadow of your wings” (verse 4), of being “led to a rock that is higher than I” (v2), “abiding in our tent” (v4) and of God being “a strong tower” (v3). These images remind us that God is never far from us, and that He provides a protective, abiding presence.  Wherever we are, we can pray and know that He hears it.

Meditation

1. Find an object that reminds you of God's Protection 

This symbol could be a blanket, a soft toy, a rock or a feather. 

2. FIND A QUIET PLACE. 

Make sure that you are in a quiet place. Sit comfortably but alert – feet flat on the floor, back pushed hard against the back of the chair. Start your reflection with hands cupped open ready to be open to God’s presence.

3. Focus on your breathing.

Pay attention to in-breaths and out-breaths. You may think of breathing in God’s life and peace and breathing out any tension.

4. Be aware of your body.

Let your aches and pains be there. Rest your hands in your lap; you don’t need to be doing anything with them now. Rest your feet on the floor; you don’t need to go anywhere. Shrug your shoulders, ease your neck. Take time to become still…

5. Listen to God

In the stillness listen to what God might be saying to you. Finish with the prayer below.

6. Finish with this prayer:

Lord, you are my refuge in times of trouble. When the storms of life invade, please be my shelter. Close the distance between us and grant me peace. Amen