A Psalm for Andrea

On Friday night, Rabbi led us through a short study of Psalm 27.  She said it was customary to ponder this psalm during the month leading up to the New Year (Rosh Hashanah, which starts the evening of Sep 24 this year). 

Psalm 27 has two parts, first confidence, then insecurity, ending with hope.  Most translations have this in the final verse:  “Be strong and of good courage.”

Andrea is a blogger. I do not know her personally.  From reading her blog, I recognize that she could use some strength and courage.  If you are so inclined, you can visit Andrea’s blog and leave a comment of encouragement, and send prayers and good thoughts on her behalf.

A psalm for Andrea

Lord, be the saving light for Andrea,

So that she can move forward without fear.

Lord, be a living strength in Andrea,

So that she can take the next step in confidence.

If nasty people approach, trip them up and push them away from her.

Even in the face of difficulties and hardships, be right next to Andrea,

So that she can move forward without fear.

Spread over Andrea the shelter of your peace,

Each day and every day.

Make the ground under her feet solid and sure,

So that she can move forward without fear.

When she feels fear and weakness,

Lift up her head and show her eyes the beauty

In the world and in herself.

Enlighten her path,

So that she can take the next step in confidence.

Put a song in Andrea’s heart,

And a melody on her tongue.

Lord, hear her when she shouts for you,

Or at you, or about you.

Send a friend to be heavenly hands and feet,

To help pack boxes or carry boxes or unpack boxes,

So that Andrea can move forward without fear.

Send a friend to be heavenly heart and mind,

To talk, to cry, to laugh, or to be silent.

Keep Andrea safe from enemies and liars,

So that she can take the next step in confidence.

Andrea, look at the world around you,

and the ground under your feet,

At the people near you. 

Can you see in them the spark of life and love, the goodness of God?

Andrea, look for God! 

Be strong, and let your heart take courage.

Move forward and take the next step, looking eagerly for God.

Based loosely on Psalm 27