Tag: Psalm 1

• Ezra-Nehemiah: Fulfillment

  
  

  Ezra-Nehemiah: Fulfillment

  Tuesday, October 8, 2024

  Everyone knew that the work had been done with God’s help. (Nehemiah 6:15-16)

  Why is it that the antisocial cannot see that their end is in their own work? Why is it that the Sanballats and Geshems among us do not see that the darkness in which they operate will eventually give way to the Light, to the Hope, to the Promise? The wise do not take flight – as Nehemiah did not flee. The wise do not fear the shameful stories, the discrediting talk, the false prophecies. The wise remain calm and firm in their God. Letters, tweets, posts and emails may fly, but in the end the truth will stand alone, and everyone will fully understand who has been the plotter and who has been the wrongfully blasphemed. In God’s time and in God’s plan those who abide by the Covenant, those who strive each day to put down roots by the bank of the river and soar up to the heights, to the light will bear fruit.

  Psalm 1 is a mini Bible in that it describes the person of God who suffers yet withstands the onslaught – not through their own work but by the grace and protection of God. They flourish and prosper, despite the treachery. They yield fruit in season. Their leaves do not wither, and whatever they do prospers. The Lord watches over the way of the just, but the way of the wicked leads to ruin.

  And so today we pray.

  Lord, keep me ever in your ways. Steer me clear of the paths of the scoffers. Abide with me as I strive to abide with you. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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  Adapted from a reflection written on September 16, 2007. 

  Image from: http://westloop-church.org/index.php/messages/old-testament/11-psalms-messages/390-psalm-1-the-secret-of-happiness

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  October 10, 2024

  Geshem, Psalm 1, Sanballat, truth

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• Sirach 51:13-30: Prayer for Those in Pursuit of Wisdom

  
  

  Sirach 51:13-30: Prayer for Those in Pursuit of Wisdom

  Sunday, September 10, 2023

  We have considered our pursuit of Wisdom and acknowledged her importance in our lives. We have surrendered to the passionate search for Wisdom and all she promises. We have set our feet on Wisdom’s path, committed to the pursuit of Wisdom’s gifts. And so today we pray.

  Lady Wisdom, we ask that you bless our hearts with authenticity and integrity.

  Creator God, we thank you for your gift of Wisdom.

  Lady Wisdom, we ask that you steer us away from the lure of Mistress Folly.

  Generous God, we know that you are faithful to us and hear our prayer.

  Lady Wisdom, we ask that you help us to guard against deceit.

  Knowing God, we pledge to abide with you as you abide with us.

  Lady Wisdom, we mediate on God’s law morning, noon and night.

  Faithful God, we thank you for the invitation to enter into Jesus’ Law of Love.

  Lady Wisdom, we plant our feet along the river that calls forth good fruit.

  Hopeful God, we rest in the knowledge that you nourish and guide us always.

  Lady Wisdom, we follow in the way of the just.

  Loving God, continue to teach us the way of your Lady Wisdom.

  Lady Wisdom, we thank you for your voice that cries out, inviting all to come to your banquet.

  Holy God, we thank you for your gift of eternal life. Amen.

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  Psalms 1 and 101 open for us an entrance to the path of Lady Wisdom.  When we spend time with them we discover the feast she offers.

  For reflections on Lady Wisdom and Mistress Folly, click on the images or visit: https://stjameskent.org/shedding-light-on-lady-wisdom/ and https://guideposts.org/angels-and-miracles/miracles/gods-grace/the-celtic-wisdom-of-poet-and-mystic-john-odonohue/

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  September 10, 2023

  Psalm 1, Psalm 101

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• Deuteronomy 30:15-20: The Choice Before Us

  
  

  Saturday, June 27, 2020

  Deuteronomy 30:15-20

  The Choice before Us: A Prayer with Psalm 1

  Israel has a choice to make. and each of us has this same choice.

  Every morning when we wake and rise we greet the day and the Lord with evidence of our choice.  As we dress, as we eat, as we prepare to go into the world.  Every action we take is a sign to God of what he means to us.

  As we go to school or enter work places and as we unlock doors and prepare for the day, we are an expression of God’s love for humanity and creation.

  As we interact with colleagues and students we tell God what we think of our relationship with God and others.

  As we write and administer assessments, evaluate work – that of others and our own – we use the measuring stick with which we will be measured.

  As we end our work day to move back into our homes, we see God in the way we live, the people and things which have import for us.

  As we bend on our knees or sit in our chair, or lie on our bed to recall the day, we see what treasure we have stored up in heaven to return to God.

  We each have choices to make.  As Psalm 1 tells us, we are a forest of trees planted along the bank of the river that flows to the New Jerusalem.  We are to bear fruit many-fold according to our gifts.  We bear this fruit with great Hope.

  Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

  Blessed is the one who follows not the counsel of the wicked nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent, but delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on God’s law day and night.

  Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

  Not so the wicked, not so; they are like the chaff which the wind drives away.  For the Lord watches over the way of the just, but the way of the wicked vanishes.

  Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

  Dearest Lord, may we produce fruit in abundance for you in due season.  Not when we wish, but rather as best suits your plan for all of us . . . in your due season.  May we choose light when we rise, light as we go about our day, light as we tuck ourselves into hearth and home.  May we never stray from you, from your truth, from your Way.

  Amen. 

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  To read the Robert Frost poem, The Path Not Taken that begins with the words: “Two paths diverged in a yellow wood”, go to: http://www.bartleby.com/119/1.html

  Adapted from a reflection written on October 11, 2007.

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  June 27, 2020

  choice, God’s time, God’s way, Psalm 1, Robert Frost

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