The Psalms are among the most human expressions found in the Bible. Psalms give us confidence that no matter what emotion we are feeling, we can share it with God.
In this exercise, you will be invited to write your own Psalm. It doesn’t matter whether you think of yourself as a writer or not. This is heartfelt communication, not an exercise in pretty writing.
Start by reading over Psalm 16 which is part of today’s lectionary passages:
Psalm 16 Song of Trust and Security in God
1 Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;I have no good apart from you.”3 As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble,in whom is all my delight.4 Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows;their drink offerings of blood I will not pour outor take their names upon my lips.5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;you hold my lot.6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;I have a goodly heritage.7 I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;in the night also my heart instructs me.8 I keep the LORD always before me;because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;my body also rests secure.10 For you do not give me up to Sheol,or let your faithful one see the Pit.11 You show me the path of life.In your presence there is fullness of joy;in your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (NRSV)
The Practice
- Find a comfortable place to write.
- Ask God’s Spirit to enliven you as you read this Psalm and then create one of your own.
- Write a free-form Psalm based on what you are going through in your own life. Or if you prefer, take this Psalm and re-write it. Be as honest with God as the Psalmists are.
- Read your Psalm aloud to yourself. Pray it. Offer it to God.
For more about spiritual direction as I practice it, check out my website. If you have questions or comments about the content of Spiritual Direction 101, please let me hear from you in the reply section below.
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