“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.” – Psalm 139:14 

The psalms reveal a deep, personal connection between the individual and God.  When we pray the psalms we follow the author into the very heart of God.  This vulnerable connection and intimate journey is perhaps most acutely felt in Psalm 139.  Some of the most beloved verses in all of scripture come from Psalm 139.  The lectionary only brings a selection of verses from the psalm.  You may want to read the psalm in its entirety before the end of the day.  For now, find a space for prayer, center your heart, and read Nan Merrill’s interpretation of selections from Psalm 139 from her book Psalms for Praying.

O my Beloved, You have searched me and known me! 
You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You discern my innermost thoughts. 
You find me on the journey and guide my steps; You know my strengths and my weaknesses. 
Even before words rise up in prayer, Lo, You have already heard my heart call. 
You encompass me with love where’er I go, and your strength is my shield. 
Such sensitivity is too wonderful for me; it is high; boundless gratitude is my soul’s response 
For You formed my inward being, You knit me together in my mother’s womb. 
I praise You, for You are to be reverenced and adored. 
Your mysteries fill me with wonder! 
More than I know myself do You know me; my essence was not hidden from You, when I was being formed in secret, intricately fashioned from the elements of the earth. 
Your eyes beheld my unformed substance; in your records were written every one of them, the days that were numbered for me, when as yet there was none of them. 
How previous to me are your creations, O Blessed One! 
How vast is the sum of them! 
Who could count your innumerable gifts and blessings? 
At all times, You are with me.