For my courage is in You, O Love,
You who are the Lover hidden
in every heart.
–Psalm 3:6
Paraphrase by Nan C. Merrill,
Psalms for Praying
People do things
that annoy and disturb us,
challenge and hurt us.
Sometimes Wisdom says,
“Keep your distance.
Stay out of harm’s way.”
But more often than not,
She whispers, “Stay close,
This one has a gift for you.”
This one?
Really?
It comes so quickly
the judgment,
the distancing,
the othering.
It takes courage
to notice our reaction–
which we cannot control–
and choose
a different response.
You, O Beloved, give us
the courage
to trust
You are hidden in every heart
and the curiosity
to see what we can find there.
Rise up, Love! Set me free!
For through your guidance,
my fears will fade into love.
Free from fear, I will know
the Oneness of Being that
encompasses everything!
I shall be free to serve Love
with a glad and open heart.
–Psalm 3:7,8
Paraphrase by Nan C. Merrill,
Psalms for Praying
An Everyday Pilgrim 