With my heart’s ear I hear the injunction to pray for my enemies,
even those who persecute me!
How can I, weak and fear-filled, heed this difficult teaching?
Help me to understand the way of your precepts,
and the strength to follow through.
My soul is willing, O Merciful One, yet the body would flee.
Who is the enemy from whom I run,
but the ego-fears hidden in the shadows within!
Strengthen me according to your Life, lead me gently into the Light.
For, I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
with trust in You, I will face my own darkness.
I will not run from the illusions which beset me,
so that each one may be transformed in and through your Love.
Nan C. Merrill Psalms for Praying
Reflection:
Lament continues but so does the trust. The psalmist is clinging to life and clinging to God’s teachings. The teaching is difficult to understand and implement but the psalmist wants to learn and be faithful to God. The teachings are transforming the psalmist’s heart. In this context, the heart is the place of understanding (not emotions as we think of today).
May we desire to expand our understanding, knowledge, and compassion. God transform us with your wisdom and love.
Period Pastor Pad 