Monday, March 6, 2017

Monday, March 6, 2017

Reading: Psalm 32

“While I kept silence, my body wasted away.” Psalm 32:3

The rubrics for morning and evening prayer in this devotional instruct us to chant aloud, to pray aloud, to read aloud. Speaking or singing words out into the physical universe is a powerful act. Speaking aloud our faults, our shortcomings, our failings brings mere idea out into the body, into the world of space and time, where change can happen. Brain researchers estimate that more than 80% of our thoughts are old, repeated day after day. Getting the negative thoughts that are rattling around and around in our brain out into the physical world frees the mind, readies the heart. For repentance, for confession, for transformation, speak aloud - to a pastor, to a therapist, to a loving friend, to the trees, to an empty room, to God. "I acknowledged my sin…and you forgave." (32:5)

Let all who are faithful offer prayer to you, O God, for you surround us with glad cries of deliverance. Amen

• Read Psalm 32 aloud.