Lesson 8, Series 2, Psalm 56, Lectio Divina

Psalm 56 (NLT)

¹ O God, have mercy on me,
for people are hounding me.
My foes attack me all day long.
² I am constantly hounded by those who slander me,
and many are boldly attacking me.
³ But when I am afraid,
I will put my trust in you.
⁴ I praise God for what he has promised.
I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
What can mere mortals do to me?

⁵ They are always twisting what I say;
they spend their days plotting to harm me.
⁶ They come together to spy on me—
watching my every step, eager to kill me.
⁷ Don’t let them get away with their wickedness;
in your anger, O God, bring them down.

⁸ You keep track of all my sorrows.
You have collected all my tears in your bottle.
You have recorded each one in your book.

⁹ My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help.
This I know: God is on my side!
¹⁰ I praise God for what he has promised;
yes, I praise the Lord for what he has promised.
¹¹ I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
What can mere mortals do to me?

¹² I will fulfill my vows to you, O God,
and will offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help.
¹³ For you have rescued me from death;
you have kept my feet from slipping.
So now I can walk in your presence, O God,
in your life-giving light.

Preparation:  Position yourself in a comfortable place with your Bible and journal.  Spend a few moments in prayer, asking God to speak through the words of this Psalm and quiet your heart.

Lectio:  Read through the entire Psalm 56, aloud if possible.  In the second reading, take your time, reading slowly and highlight or note in your journal the words and/or phrases that particularly speak to you.

Meditatio:  Review the words or phrases that stood out to you.  Repeat them over to yourself until they become a part of you.  Allow the Holy Spirit to speak through these words, perhaps recalling a relationship that needs attention, or reminding you to call upon God in your time of need.

Oratio:  Talk to God about the things that you have been reminded of.  If it is helpful, record your conversation in your journal.  Allow for a time of silence to hear God’s response to you.

Contemplatio:  As you conclude your time with God, reread verses 9-13.  Rest secure in the knowledge that God is trustworthy, and his Spirit gives life.