16th March 2022

Psalm 27, drawn from the lectionary readings for this week, is a prayer that never sounded so relevant. It is written in the first-person – you may want to imagine bombs raining down around you as you read…

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me, in this I trust.
One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.
For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.
Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me!
You have said, “Seek my face.”
My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Hide not your face from me.
Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path.
In view of my watchful foes, do not give me over to the desire of my enemies.
For false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence.
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!

(English Standard Version, and John Goldingay, Psalms)