A Study of Psalms - Day 02

Day 02 - Tuesday, May 21
Read Psalm 43
1 Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly people, from the deceitful and unjust man deliver me!
2 For you are the God in whom I take refuge; why have you rejected me? Why do I go about mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
3 Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling!
4 Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.
5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.

Lectio Divina

• Preparation (Silencio) - find your space to be with God. Take a moment to quiet your mind, heart and body. Come to God fully open to be in His presence.
• Read (Lectio) - Slowly and out loud, read the passage. Pausing after sentences where it feels natural. Listen for the word or the phrase that God may want to speak to you about. 
• Reflect (Meditatio) - Ask yourself a few of these questions: What is it in my life right now that needs to hear this? Where am I in this passage? What is God saying to me in this passage? What longing does this passage stir in me? How is my life touched by this passage? 
• Respond (Oratio) - Read the passage again, then talk to God about what has come to your mind as you’ve reflected. Allow yourself to be open with God about your needs, your emotions and your reactions to what the Holy Spirit stirs in you. 
• Rest (Contemplatio) - Rest in the Word of God. Read the passage one more time, and rest with God in it. Whether that is in silence or in prayer.
• Resolve (Incarnatio) - Incarnate (live out) the Word of God. As you leave your personal space with God, remember that His Spirit lives in you and goes with you. Therefore, carry your encounter with God for others to receive their own experience with God through you.