Sermonette: Oct. 7, 2024

Praying through the Psalms has been a wonderful and surprising way to discern and dream and be challenged and comforted by what God might be up to through these ancient and holy words.

Psalm 139 just happens to be my favorite. I’ll never forget the early 1990s poster by the mirror at Bible camp – “where can I flee from your presence?”

Because at the very heart of life on this earth is God’s presence. God's radical, unwavering, dwell-among-us presence.

So for the month of October, let us pray together: Psalm 139.

1 You have searched me, Lord,

and you know me.

What a gift it is, Lord, to be known by you. We go through our lives longing to be known and understood, and here we have a promise from you of exactly that.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise;

you perceive my thoughts from afar.

It’s sometimes vulnerable, God, to know that you know all our movements, and even perceive our thoughts. Forgive us when our thoughts taint who you have created us to be.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;

you are familiar with all my ways.

Help us to see your familiarity as a holy gift, as a connection we need in this disconnected world. Help us be open to being shown your deep love for each of us.

4 Before a word is on my tongue

you, Lord, know it completely.

God, you gave us your Word, and it became a human being to walk among us. Lord, help us not use our words for destruction, but instead to lift others.

5 You hem me in behind and before,

and you lay your hand upon me.

God, sometimes we need re-direction. Like a child, we need that light touch to move us in a different direction. Help us move with you, feel your touch, be comforted by your embrace.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

too lofty for me to attain.

As we wander through this world, help us look to the heavens and wonder that you would humble yourself to be with us. Give us awe. Give us incomprehensible joy.