Psalm 139 verses 1-10 (The Living Bible)
O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. 2 You know when I sit or stand. When far away you know my every thought. 3 You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. 4 You know what I am going to say before I even say it. 5 You both precede and follow me and place your hand of blessing on my head.
6 This is too glorious, too wonderful to believe! 7 I can never be lost to your Spirit! I can never get away from my God! 8 If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the place of the dead, you are there. 9 If I ride the morning winds to the farthest oceans, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your strength will support me.
For 50 years, I’ve repeated to myself, again and again, the embracing blessing of Psalm 139, verse 5: “You both precede and follow me and place your hand of blessing on my head.” This verse reminds me of God’s abiding presence. I’ve held these words in my heart ever since I selected Psalm 139 as the text for my confirmation statement of faith. The words have carried me through life changes that I could not have anticipated as a teenager about to take my first communion. I say the words as the wheels go up on flights to places known and unknown. I say the words as I step into uncertain situations. I say the words as I join the communion line at Central on Sunday morning. Our gracious God goes with us and blesses us.
Let us pray. Gracious God, thank you for abiding always with us. Thank you for guiding us and blessing us. Amen
Julia Pomerenk
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