A Study of Psalms - Day 17

Day 17 - Tuesday, June 11
Read Psalm 14

The Fool Says, There Is No God
To the choirmaster. Of David.
1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.
2 The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand,[a] who seek after God.
3 They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.
4 Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers who eat up my people as they eat bread and do not call upon the Lord?
5 There they are in great terror, for God is with the generation of the righteous.
6 You would shame the plans of the poor, but[b] the Lord is his refuge.
7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.

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.