Psalm 13 (Today’s NIV)
1 How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
3 Look on me and answer, LORD my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,
4 and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
5 But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing the LORD’s praise,
for he has been good to me.
Many of the Psalms in the Bible cry out to God revealing the distress, anger, sorrow, or loneliness of the author. Yet, most of them end with hope—recognition that regardless of our current conditions, God is faithful and the word of God is true.
PREPARATION: Before beginning this exercise, you may wish to read the Lectio Divina page on the blog for an overview of this approach to Bible study. When you are ready to begin, settle into a quiet, comfortable space with your Bible and journal. Close your eyes as you take some deep, cleansing breaths: Inhale slowly, hold for a moment before exhaling slowly. Repeat. Ask God to open your heart.
Lectio: Read Psalm 13 slowly, listening to the words. Begin reading a second time, but this time stop at the words or phrases that capture your attention, writing them in your journal or underlining them in your Bible.
Meditatio: Repeat these words or phrases over and over, writing them into your memory and on your heart. Listen to the Holy Spirit to hear what God is speaking to you through these words. Write down your thoughts.
Oratio: Pray using the words of the Psalm as your guide. Consider how God may be using these words to impact your relationships. Pray for those relationships.
Contemplatio: Rest for a few moments in the company of God, reflecting on the unfailing love and goodness of God. Record any new insights you receive.
Sojourners y Peregrinas 