ISSL Reflections July 28 2024 Psalm 130 Post 1

I.Why does the Psalmist repeat “… more than those who watch for the morning…”? II.Psalm 130 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.       Lord, hear my voice!Let your ears be attentive       to the voice of my supplications! If you, … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections July 21 2024 Psalm 119:73–80 Post 3

VII.The Psalmist asks for “understanding.” How do you see the Psalmist affirming what such “understanding” leads to? VIII.Psalm 119:73-80 (NRSVue) Your hands have made and fashioned me;       give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.Those who fear you shall see … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections July 21 2024 Psalm 119:73–80 Post 2

IV.Today take time to read this portion of Psalm 119 slowly and let the Psalmist lead you into identifying aspects of your relationship to God. V.Psalm 119:73-80 (NRSVue) Your hands have made and fashioned me;       give me understanding that I may … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections July 21 2024 Psalm 119:73–80 Post 1

I.As we spend time with this week’s focus passage, take note that in the first line the Psalmist mentions “You … and … me…” As you read this portion of the Psalm notice how many times he calls attention to … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections July 14 2024 Psalm 71:12–21 Post 3

VII.As we return to the Psalm/Prayer today, what do you hear about God? VIII.Psalm 71:12-21 (NRSVue) O God, do not be far from me;       O my God, make haste to help me!Let my accusers be put to shame and consumed;       let those … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections July 14 2024 Psalm 71:12–21 Post 2

IV.Today spend time with the Psalmist. Please don’t just read his words, passing over then like you have heard him before, but sit with him, listen to him, see if you have some degree of empathy for his pain. V.Psalm … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections July 14 2024 Psalm 71:12–21 Post 1

I.Given how this Psalm/prayer starts, “O God do not be far from me….” I think we can call it a Psalm of Lament. I have read that “A lament is a prayer expressing sorrow, pain, or confusion.” Let’s begin our … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections October 31 2021 Psalms 149:1-5, 150 Post 3

VII.Again, in Bread in the Wilderness, Thomas Merton writes –“The Psalms acquire, for those who know how to enter into them, a surprising depth, a marvelous and inexhaustible actuality. They are bread, miraculously provided by Christ,to feed those who have … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections October 31 2021 Psalms 149:1-5, 150 Post 2

IV.In Thomas Merton’s Bread in the Wilderness, I came across this – “ … the Psalms are the nourishment of [the] interior life and of … personal prayer, so that at last [we] come to live them and experience them … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections October 31 2021 Psalms 149:1-5, 150 Post 1

I.This week we turn to the last two Psalms in the Book of Psalms, as we also end our time with the book of Psalms for now. Spend some time with these Psalms and notice what holds your attention. II.Psalm … Continue reading