breathe
breathe 
   deeply
take anything that is distracting
your mind, and picture it before you.
then picture yourself 
handing those things to God,
you can trust him
with that stuff.
now read 
his word.
Oh, that my actions would 
consistently reflect your principles! 
How can a young person stay pure?
By obeying your word 
and following its rules.
I have tried my best to find you - 
don’t let me wander 
from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
I lie in the dust, completely discouraged;
revive me by your word.
I told you my plans, and you answered,
now teach me your principles.
Help me understand the meaning 
of your commandments,
and I will meditate on your 
wonderful miracles.
I weep with grief;
encourage me by your word.
You made me, you created me, 
now give me the sense to follow 
your commands.
May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy,
for I have put my hope in your word.
I know O Lord, that your decisions are fair,
you disciplined me because I needed it.
Now let your unfailing love comfort me,
just as you promised me, your servant.

Your justice is eternal,
and your law is perfectly true.
As pressure and stress bear down on me, 
I find joy in your commands.
Powerful people harass me without cause,
but my heart trembles only at your word.
I rejoice in your word,
like one who finds a great treasure.
breathe
rest in God's presence.
now HEAR 
his word.
breathe.
hear  and read God’s word one more time,
and this time write down one or two verses which speak to you the most;
verses that encourage, challenge or stir you.
Oh, that my actions would 
consistently reflect your principles! 
How can a young person stay pure?
By obeying your word and 
following its rules.
I have tried my best to find you - 
don’t let me wander 
from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
I lie in the dust, completely discouraged;
revive me by your word.
I told you my plans, and you answered,
now teach me your principles.
Help me understand the meaning 
of your commandments,
and I will meditate on your 
wonderful miracles.
I weep with grief;
encourage me by your word.

You made me, you created me, 
now give me the sense to 
follow your commands.
May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy,
for I have put my hope in your word.
I know O Lord, that your decisions are fair,
you disciplined me because I needed it.
Now let your unfailing love comfort me,
just as you promised me, your servant.


Your justice is eternal,
and your law is perfectly true.
As pressure and stress bear down on me, 
I find joy in your commands.
Powerful people harass me without cause,
but my heart trembles only at your word.
I rejoice in your word,
like one who finds a great treasure.
Look at what you’ve written down.
why did it jump out to you?
Ask the Holy Spirit to take you deeper into this text.
Chew on each word to allow it to 
take root in your heart and mind.
Now speak to God about your 
response to that text.  You may 
need to ask, confess, thank or 
even argue with him.  He is big 
enough for whatever conversation 
you need to have.
Bring your conversation to a close.  Trust your thoughts and prayers to God.  
Let your mind and heart rest, and just be in your Father’s presence for a moment.

psalm 119
meditation
Amen.
jim is cool