Psalm 42
As a hart longs for flowing streams,
so longs my soul for You, O Beloved.
My soul thirsts for the Beloved,
for the Living Water.
When may I come and behold your face?
Tears have been my only nourishment day and night,
While friends ask continually,
“Where is the Beloved of your heart?”
All this I remember,
as I pour out my soul:
How I knew your Presence within me
as I went out among the throng,
proceeding to the House of Prayer;
with loud voice we gave You praise and acclamation,
a multitude proclaiming gratitude and joy.
Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you disquieted within me?
My hope is in the Beloved, my strength and my joy,
O my soul, open the door to Love!
My soul is downcast within me,
therefore I remember You
From my mother’s womb to maturity,
through all the days of my life.
Deep calls to deep
at the thunder of your waterfalls;
all you waves and your billows have washed over me.
By day you lead me in steadfast love;
at night your song is with me,
prayer from the Heart of my heart.
I say to the Beloved, the Blessed One,
“Why have You forgotten me?
Why go I mourning because of the oppression of fear?”
As with a deadly wound in my body,
My fears rise up to taunt me,
Saying over and over,
“Where is the Beloved?”
Why are you downcast, O my soul,
and why are you disquieted within me.
My hope is in the Beloved, my strength and my joy,
O my soul, open the door to Love!
From Psalms for Praying © 2007 Nan C. Merrill
www.PsalmsForPraying.com
Next psalm for praying: Psalm 139