Psalm 25:1-9

To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.
O my God, in you I trust;
do not let me be put to shame;
do not let my enemies exult over me.
Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame;
let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
Make me to know your ways, O LORD;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all day long.
Be mindful of your mercy, O LORD, and of your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me,
for your goodness’ sake, O LORD!
Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble his way.

This week ushers in the Autumn Equinox, a season that reminds us that there is always change. Change can be both beautiful (for example, in the colors of the leaves) and also make us apprehensive (the sense of an impending long winter). There have also been many changes for all of us over the past six months, down to the very way we live our daily lives. In these strange and uncertain times, the Psalm for this week reminds us about where our trust should be placed, and where our guiding light truly is for us all. This video and music can be used as a meditation, for prayer or to help find a few minutes of calm in the middle of the week. If there is anything that stands out to you about the Psalm or during a meditation, please feel free to share in the comments. 

The Taizé meditation for this week, “O Lord Hear My Prayer” (ELW #751), has long been a favorite of our prayer services. During this time of great uncertainty and stress, it can be a moving way to center a prayer meditation. The Psalm for this week also reminds us that when we are at the end of our capacity, the Lord is there in grace and mercy.  Verse 5 says, “on your wondrous works, I will meditate.” While there is much to bring in prayers and petitions, there is also that wonder on which we can meditate to remind ourselves of what we need during these times.

Psalm 145:1-8

 1I will extol you, my God and King,
 and bless your name forever and ever.
 2Every day I will bless you,
 and praise your name forever and ever.
 3Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;
 his greatness is unsearchable.
 4One generation shall laud your works to another,
 and shall declare your mighty acts.
 5On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
 and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
 6The might of your awesome deeds shall be proclaimed,
 and I will declare your greatness.
 7They shall celebrate the fame of your abundant goodness,
 and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.
 8The LORD is gracious and merciful,
 slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.