Psalm 119

Psalms for Praying

Nan C. Merrill

  

May tolerance make its home in me,

that I recognize You in every heart.

May I be imbued with goodness, and

make room for kindness in all situations.

For your ways are far richer

that thousands of gold 

and silver pieces. 

    

  

Psalm 119 is a long psalm that sings the praises of God's Word, the Torah.  Its 176 verses are divided into 22 stanzas of eight lines each.  Each stanza begins with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.  I have been thinking about this psalmist and the dedication that went into creating this psalm.  I also have been reflecting on the early monastics walking and praying the psalms from memory.  I am gently reminded how impatient I can be, so it is little wonder that this short passage from Merrill's rendition surfaced for me. 

 

Last night a large letter H appeared in a dream.  It was made of beautiful wrought iron, and the horizontal bar was actually two arms with the hands reaching out and holding on to the other, like a strong, permanent handshake.   I woke in gratitude for the gift of friendships whose love keeps me centered, and God's steadfast love that holds us all.  

 

Holy Presence, I thank you.