Psalm 119:17-24
Be generous with me and I’ll live a full life;
not for a minute will I take my eyes off your road.
Open my eyes so I can see
what you show me of your miracle-wonders.
I’m a stranger in these parts;
give me clear directions.
My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous!—
insatiable for your nourishing commands.
And those who think they know so much,
ignoring everything you tell them—let them have it!
Don’t let them mock and humiliate me;
I’ve been careful to do just what you said.
While bad neighbors maliciously gossip about me,
I’m absorbed in pondering your wise counsel.
Yes, your sayings on life are what give me delight;
I listen to them as to good neighbors!
I give myself into your Hands, that I may live fully into your Word.
Open my heart’s eyes, that I may see the wondrous blessings of creation.
I am a sojourner on earth; may I know myself also as a spiritual being!
My soul is consumed with an intense longing to be blessed and sustained by You, O Divine Lover!
May I note be a bearer of disharmony, one who is arrogant and greedy; Teach me to stand firm when faced with injustice and oppression, to be fervent in my stance for truth!
Even though fears rise up, may my eye remain focused on You.
For in your Word do I delight; You are my Counselor!
Psalm 119 – Psalms for Praying, Nan Merrill
Reflection
Read through Eugene Peterson’s version of Psalm 119:17-24, then through Nan Merrill’s interpretation of the same passage. We invite you to spend time with the passage in any version you choose and then respond as you write it in your own words.