Psalm 119:
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Our calls to communicate start with God's instructions to us. Psalm 119, an acrostic poem, includes 22 sections each beginning with a different Hebrew letter (verses 33-40 start with the equivalent of "h") and repeating eight words regarding God's instructions. Repetition of all 176 verses promotes contemplation and learning.
Perhaps the psalmist knew repetition aids learning. I often impatiently quip, "I told you ..." when someone forgets. My words disgrace. Instead, I should simply repeat the instructions--some say at least seven times. We also must patiently repeat God's instructions and promises in our communications with neighbors.
Verse 36's instruction to not "turn to selfish gain" merits repetition especially today, an International Day of Charity recognizing Mother Teresa. She said, "Intense love does not measure, it just gives." My colleague repeatedly asks, "Do you need or do you want?" Gandhi said, "Live simply so others may simply live." These instructions warrant repetition.
Teaching God, we praise and thank you for your patient instructions. Forgive us when we are impatient in our words and selfish in our deeds. Please help us learn to live lives of loving communication and generous actions with our neighbors. Amen.
Mary Simonson Clark, '07
Adjunct and Field Instructor, Augsburg University Partner Engagement, Redeemer Lutheran Church and Center for Life Minneapolis, Minn.
Psalm 119:33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.
36 Turn my heart to your decrees, and not to selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes from looking at vanities; give me life in your ways.
38 Confirm to your servant your promise, which is for those who fear you.
39 Turn away the disgrace that I dread, for your ordinances are good.
40 See, I have longed for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life. (New Revised Standard Version)
ה (Heh)
33 Teach me, Adonai, the way of your laws;
keeping them will be its own reward for me.
34 Give me understanding; then I will keep your Torah;
I will observe it with all my heart.
35 Guide me on the path of your mitzvot,
for I take pleasure in it.
36 Bend my heart toward your instructions
and not toward selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
with your ways, give me life.
38 Fulfill your promise, which you made to your servant,
which you made to those who fear you.
39 Avert the disgrace which I dread,
for your rulings are good.
40 See how I long for your precepts;
in your righteousness, give me life!
(Complete Jewish Bible)-------
Our calls to communicate start with God's instructions to us. Psalm 119, an acrostic poem, includes 22 sections each beginning with a different Hebrew letter (verses 33-40 start with the equivalent of "h") and repeating eight words regarding God's instructions. Repetition of all 176 verses promotes contemplation and learning.
Perhaps the psalmist knew repetition aids learning. I often impatiently quip, "I told you ..." when someone forgets. My words disgrace. Instead, I should simply repeat the instructions--some say at least seven times. We also must patiently repeat God's instructions and promises in our communications with neighbors.
Verse 36's instruction to not "turn to selfish gain" merits repetition especially today, an International Day of Charity recognizing Mother Teresa. She said, "Intense love does not measure, it just gives." My colleague repeatedly asks, "Do you need or do you want?" Gandhi said, "Live simply so others may simply live." These instructions warrant repetition.
Teaching God, we praise and thank you for your patient instructions. Forgive us when we are impatient in our words and selfish in our deeds. Please help us learn to live lives of loving communication and generous actions with our neighbors. Amen.
Mary Simonson Clark, '07
Adjunct and Field Instructor, Augsburg University Partner Engagement, Redeemer Lutheran Church and Center for Life Minneapolis, Minn.
Psalm 119:33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.
36 Turn my heart to your decrees, and not to selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes from looking at vanities; give me life in your ways.
38 Confirm to your servant your promise, which is for those who fear you.
39 Turn away the disgrace that I dread, for your ordinances are good.
40 See, I have longed for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life. (New Revised Standard Version)
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