Psalm Meditation 1044
Proper 7
June 21, 2020

Psalm 111
1 Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
2 Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.
3 Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds; the Lord is gracious and merciful.
5 He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.
8 They are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever.
(NRSV)

We have projects and interests that allow time to pass and stand still at the same time. After what seems to be a few minutes we look out at the rest of the world and discover that hours have passed. We have been so intent on a particular interest that nothing has been able to distract us from what we have been doing. Eating and drinking have been ignored. We are on automatic. The only thing that has taken our attention has been the project we have focused on for the past several hours.

The psalmist is this intently focused on the presence of God. Gathered as a part of a congregation, the psalmist focuses in on works and attributes of God during this time of worship. It is possible that the time of worship has ended and the psalmist is so intent on living in the presence of God that there is no awareness of the lack of people in the room. We have the honor of receiving the goodness of the psalmist’s time in the zone with God.

A wonderful thing about having companions on our journey is that we get to share the skills and insights of those around us. Those on the journey together are able to point out vistas and insights we might have missed because our focus was elsewhere. We get to learn new things as our friends point out what we would have missed, as they teach us what they have mastered, and as we explore new skills and places together. When our journey includes being wholly, and holy, in the presence of God it is awe inspiring.

June 15, 2020
LCM lcrsmanifold@att.net
http://psalmmeditations.blogspot.com/