19th Day of Lent

The Psalm from the Lectionary for this week is Psalm 19

Psalm 19 (New International Version)
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Think of your favorite natural scene; the one you have experienced to be most beautiful. This might be a favorite hiking location, an exotic place you have visited on vacation or the simplicity of your back yard. Read the bullet points below and after doing so put them into practice, while remaining silent for a total of 5 minutes:
• Sit in a comfortable position, with your back straight and body relaxed. Close your eyes and take a few slow deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth
• In your imagination put yourself in that beautiful location: linger there in your mind. Take a long look and soak up the sounds and smells.
• Thank God for this beauty and receive it as a gift to you personally. Take in the wonder of what you are seeing and receive it as expression of God’s passionate love for you. Allow this creative passion and power to penetrate your soul. Stay there for a few minutes and then open your eyes again.

Throughout this day, try to remain aware of God’s passionate love for you and even think of the place you went to in your imagination as a reminder. Whenever you remember, pray this simple prayer:

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.