It took a year to read the Bible, then almost 9 months to read the Apocrypha. Now, I'm going to try to offer reflections on the Narrative Lectionary. But, I won't be posting daily--at least, for a while.

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Gratitude for Healing, Reflection on Psalm 30

Psalm 30 begins with a prayer of gratitude for the healing that God has provided. Verses 1-3 are all in the first person singular. Keep reading. Any one of us may have prayer for our own individual need, but Psalm 30 also includes the rest of us in the requirement to express gratitude. See verse 4.

And not just healing from physical diseases. Sheol is that lowest of places, a separation from all friends, a separation even from God. We are in Sheol at those moments of greatest distress and isolation.

But, even in Sheol, we remember our Lord.

Here's Robert Alter's translation of verses 11-13 (A Translation with Commentary, The Book of Psalms):
Hear, Lord, and grant me grace.
Lord, become helper to me.
You have turned my dirge to a dance for me,
undone my sackcloth and bound me with joy.
O, let my heart hymn You and be not still,
Lord, my God, for all time I acclaim You.



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