Psalm 149

Psalms for Praying

Nan C. Merrill

  

For the Beloved dwells within,

journeying with us through

all our lives,

leading us in truth and love.

The humble are adorned with honor;

the faithful exult in glory,

singing for joy

with thankful hearts.

  

In one of the retirement homes I serve, I  am blessed to lead worship twice a month. Other pastors lead on the rest of the Sundays, so there is a vein of consistency and relationship that is nurturing for all of us, including the much loved pianist who plays most Sundays.  When I arrived yesterday, George, who is one of the residents, was already there, and he and I began setting up the room.  He is younger than the rest of the residents who gather with us, and while the home is beautiful, I often have wondered why he was living there at this stage of his life. I took advantage of our few minutes together to ask him where he grew up. 

"Bolivia," he responded.  "I came to the United States to study mathematics. In my last semester, I was in a terrible car accident.  I had severe back and brain injuries and was in the hospital for six months. I still have many problems."  

I asked him if he was ever able to return to school.  "Yes. After I got out of the hospital, I did finish.  It was very difficult because I had almost no memory.  Up until my accident, I made straight A's. My last semester I struggled to make C's, but I am proud that I was able to finish."  

He then added, "We never know what life has in store for us, but this has worked out well for me.  I am actually a caregiver." Because I have never seen the man he assists, I never thought he was there in a caregiving role.  It does seem to be a good solution for them both. 

  

Tonight, as I ponder George and his tenacity, I give thanks to the retired chaplain who was lived in this home and who reached out to the various pastors and a pianist to make certain that regular Protestant services would be available for the residents. After his wife died, he moved to live with his daughter, and he has since passed. None of the residents who worship with us now knew him, but we all continue to benefit from his spiritual legacy. I am grateful.           

  

Holy One, thank you. You do knit us together in surprising ways.    

  

  

 

Psalm 148

Psalms for Praying

Nan C. Merrill     

   

Let all people praise the Beloved,

who is exalted in heaven

and on earth;

whose glory is above

heaven and earth.

 

For all are to be called friends,

companions to the true Friend,

giving their lives joyfully

as co-creators and

people of peace.

Praise to the Blessed One,

the very Breath of our breath,

the very Heart of our heart.   

   

 

Friends, we are coming to the end of our journey through Merrill's psalms, although I am sure they will continue to appear in my writings.   Psalm 1 was sent on June 15.  Summer was already underway and the drought deepened.  What came up for me in this regular practice is that in the midst of so many reports of violence, and a rising tide of arrogance and intolerance for others in our own society, the voice of Love is unwavering.  At times, sitting here and turning the page to another psalm felt silly to me. Yet, once I could get my ego out of the way, I was reminded that the loyalty to Love is what faith is. 

 

While obviously there is much I love about Merrill's renditions, I have been sparing you the heavy use of exclamation points that runs through her work.   I seldom missed the more traditional translations of the psalms, but at times her renditions do seem to wander pretty far.  However, my commitment to eliminate the word enemy deepened, even in these profoundly troubled times.  Defending our human constructed ideologies is destroying our humanity and our planet.  We are abusing every sacred gift in the quest to make certain we are seen as right, supreme, and strong.   That is not worship, regardless of what name you call God.  

 

I believe my ministry with SpiritCare changed and deepened during this time. I am into the eighth year of this ministry, and am in the last third of my life.  While yes, many of those I serve have lived very long lives, I feel more and more that I am simply moving among fellow human beings.  Yes, some are older than me,  but many are younger.  This is a slight, but profound shift.  I believe I do my deepest work in skilled nursing, rehab hospitals, and in communities serving those with dementia.  In these communities I often have a sense of entering a monastery where illusions slip away, or at times are yanked off, layer by layer.  It is here that the constant reminder that we are all God' children can truly be a healing balm for this new and tender skin.  Every once in awhile, a young activity assistant will ask me where I go to church.  I am hoping that First Church in Redwood City is a central enough location that they just might visit or maybe even join us.  Some of these young women and men I have grown very fond of. Many do their work with such full hearts that at times I feel I should kneel as I watch them move among the frail and ill.  Most have long commutes, and often must work every day to make ends meet for their families. Some of their work environments are stark.  It is here where I acutely feel Jesus' presence, encouraging me to continue the practice of showing up in love.   I now know many of the assistants are feeling that same presence.   I want them to remember that.    

  

As I walk, photograph, and write, I also have come to feel closer to the Jesus who walked and noticed vineyards, flowers, stones, and mountains. Several of you have asked me, "Well, what next?".  I think I am going to spend some time in the gospels.    

 

Today, Christians are lighting the candle of peace.  May we remember that our hearts are the Bethlehem that we sing about.  The place where Christ can always be born anew, if we but make room.  

 

For my friends in chilly wintery climes, and for those who are ill or weary, I give you the color yellow today.   Thank you all for your presence in my life.  You, too, are part of this monastery that is dedicated to serving the living body of Christ.  Blessings on your journey.

 

Love,

Sue Ann    

   

 

Psalm 147

Psalms for Praying

Nan C. Merrill

  

Divine Love brings peace

to the heart, peace

that is beyond our knowledge.

Divine Love cuts through

the ignorance that fosters

greed and arrogance,

humbling and breaking

open the heart.

Divine Love severs the veil that

separates realms

of the profane and sacred;

Holiness radiates through all

touched by Divine Love,

a refining Fire!

Wisdom flows from the Heart

of Divine Love

to all receptive hearts 

nurtured in the Silence.

Yes, the Divine Word is written

on every heart-scroll,

a guide to pilgrims on the way.

May everyone awaken to Divine Love,

that peace and integrity

and assurance

may be born again in every land.

In a small church I attended years ago, we often sang a gathering song about the Refiner's fire.  I always thought we were somewhat glib about asking God to aim that torch in our direction. Yet, it is true that fire can gently lift us as we ponder a beautiful piece of music, or a leaf on the wind.  Let us be gentle with one another today.  
   
  

Psalm 146

Psalms for Praying

Nan C. Merrill 

  

Put not your trust in riches,

in illusionary things 

that fade away.

For when the day comes

to depart this world,

at that very time,

we carry only the love

imprinted on our soul.  

      

 

Yesterday, just as I turned on the street where a convalescent hospital I serve is located, the wind came up, the rain began, and leaves were suddenly flying off the many trees that  that line that block. The transition from fall to winter was happening all at once.  Leaves of various shapes, sizes, and colors were swirling everywhere.  I was in a whirlwind of color and motion.  As I mundanely searched for a parking space, I looked to my left, and in the midst of falling leaves and rain, I noticed a man with a leaf blower, vainly trying to do his job of clearing a parking lot. His efforts were futile.   The leaves refused to be corralled. This was their moment to be wild. 

 

This morning I sat for a few minutes and watched and listened to a video of Segovia playing "Danza in G."   With so much seemingly going so wrong in the world, I am grateful that Segovia picked up an instrument and dedicated his life to playing it.   

We must love the world.  We can only tame ourselves.  

 

 

 

Psalm 145

Psalms for Praying

Nan C. Merrill

  

That your Light might be their

guide to holiness,

and your Love nurture them

toward wholeness.   

  

Please.       

   

 

Psalm 144

Psalms for Praying

Nan C. Merrill

  

Blessed are You, O Radiant One,

You, who are hidden within

our hearts,

even as we are hidden within

your Heart.

You invite us to participate

in the Divine Unfoldment,

as we give birth to creativity. 

 

Open us that we might recognize

the divine in every person,

and become sensitive to all

we meet along the path.

For You are the Breathing Life of all,

the infinite and eternal

within our hearts.   

  

The phrase, "by invitation only," implies that some will not be allowed to enter and participate. However, that is not God's way.  The invitation to a full life, regardless of our circumstances, is for all.  However, when we accept the invitation, we must be prepared to be transformed.  I know an elder who is really struggling with aging. She is angry, and can't understand why she is still alive.  Someone who knew her from years ago said that even then she refused to consider the idea that she might become ill and dependent on others for care.  At the risk of over simplification, I think there is an invitation for her, and all of us, to simply let our lives unfold. All of us have an unopened invitation.  The gift of Advent is the reminder to accept the gift of Mystery.  Yes, sometimes the Beckoning One will ask us to go where we think we do not want to go. Even Jesus had a moment of reluctance, but he was practiced in the art of surrendering his life to the One he called Abba, and so he went.  Let us do the same.    

 

Blessings on your journey.   

 

  

 

Psalm 143

Psalms for Praying

Nan C. Merrill

  

O Bringer of Joy, awaken my heart;

pour your love and blessings

through my being.

Free me from attachments and desire, 

that I may become a clear mirror,

reflecting your love to the world. 

  

 

Today I am reminded that we read psalms not because our lives are perfect examples of faithful love, but rather from a deep yearning.  They are gifts for those of us who sometimes struggle.  

  

We are embarking upon our last seven psalms.  Thank you for continuing to pray with me.  This picture is from Los Osos, CA taken on a late September day.  As I hear reports of upcoming winds and rain, may I remember.