“God has taken his place in the divine council” – Psalm 82:1a

The Old Testament often refers to a host of heavenly or angelic beings and chief among them is God.  In the psalms the imagery is used as a poetic device meant to communicate God’s primacy.  It is a way of saying, “We call out to the one who is in all and above all.”  This Sunday the lectionary leads us to Psalm 82, a psalm which lifts up the just judge, the God most high.  When life on earth feels inequitable, unjust, and twisted, we need to cling to our conviction that by God peace built upon righteousness will reign and justice will roll down like an ever-flowing stream.

Let us find a prayer space, center our hearts, and read Nan Merrill’s interpretation of Psalm 82 from her book Psalms for Praying. 

O Compassionate Teacher, You are our merciful Counselor; in the Silence You make yourself known to all who take time to listen. 

Would that those in power would heed your Voice: 

“How long will you misuse power that oppresses the poor? 

When will you learn that to act justly and with integrity will bring mutual blessing to all? 

Do you not know that to give succor to the poor and to free people to succeed will bring you more joy than All of your bank accounts?” 

Arise!  Awaken to the new dawn! 

Come into the Light; shed darkness like skin on the snake! 

For the foundations of the cosmos are shaking with injustice. 

I say, “Within you dwells the Beloved the Breath of your breath; Open your heart in the Silence and know the One in the many.” 

Arise!  Join in the new creation! 

Let harmony reign among all the nations!