Soaking in the Psalms Prayer with Linda Andersen
(Read or Click Here to listen to the Podcast)
Hi friends!
We have a completely different kind of article for you today.
This week, we’re not just going to listen to or read the article; we’re going to do a prayer practice together!
This is the second episode of our 2024 Summer Series, where we are drawing close to Jesus through short episodes on the topic of pilgrimage and, in one episode per month, experiencing the Lord through a “Soaking in the Psalms” prayer.
(If you haven’t tried listening to the podcast, this may be a good opportunity to do that. Then, you can close your eyes or open your hands as we move through this practice. Link at the top of the page.)
I have a very special guest with me today, whom many of you know. You might have even been introduced to the Sanctuary at Bear Creek through this fabulous gal.
You have probably all guessed that I am talking about First Love founder and author Linda Andersen. Linda and I first met over 20 years ago when she came and spoke at a support group for moms that I was a part of and introduced me to the practice of spending time alone with Jesus.
She had just written The Too Busy Book and was at the meeting to encourage us, busy moms, to spend time with the Lover of our Souls. Not only that, but she opened her home to any of us who wanted to spend what she called a DAWG day, a day alone with God, to come and use her beautiful home for free! No cost. No agenda. She set the house up and left the door unlocked, with soft music playing, a candle, coffee, tea, and many times a yummy treat right in the middle of the dining room table. It was a slice of heaven on earth.
During those days, I experienced God’s love just for me. Because of them, when Song of Solomon 2:10 says, “Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away,” I know exactly what that means.
She primed the group well for what a DAWG day should look like. We might be tempted to think that there were a certain number of Bible verses we needed to read or minutes or hours of prayer that we needed to check off. She made it clear. The day was just to follow the Spirit’s leading, loving God and letting him love you. Sit with a hot cup of tea, listen to soft music, watch the birds outside the window, take a nap, a bath, or go on a bike ride. Open your Bible. Write in your journal. All of it was good and anointed by the Holy Spirit.
The true essence of Matthew 11:28-29, “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Those days calibrated my whole life. I heard God’s voice, received every gift of the Spirit, and went home overflowing.
The Sanctuary at Bear Creek exists today because of them.
God had a very special relationship in store for Linda and me. She was not only that lady whose house I went to for DAWG days. She became my friend, life-long spiritual mentor, and, in recent years, my writing mentor as well.
We’ve led retreats together and have the same vision for life with God.
I’m thrilled to have her with us today to lead us in this soaking-in-the-Psalms prayer. This prayer came to her in the middle of the night when the cares of life came crashing in, and she’s here today to share it with us.
So, find a comfortable, quiet place. Invite the Lord to be with you as you open your heart to Him. Open your hands or get on your knees. Read each line slowly, adding your own words as they rise up from your spirit.
Read it through once, lingering at the end to hear anything the Spirit wants to say to you. Maybe even read it a second time.
~ Lori
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Soaking in the Psalms
Ps 23:1
Slow Down... Breathe In... Let Go
“Oh Lord, God Almighty... and Abba, Daddy
Shepherd of My Soul, you are truly and without a doubt, the Creator, the Beginning and the End … Holy One of Israel, yet small enough to dance in my neighborhood—my soul.
Promise Keeper and King of the Ages, you seek me out, and I am utterly found.
You find me, and I am shattered and undone.
You call me __(insert your name)__, and my soul leaps for joy.
You, Loving Shepherd, nestle quite against my quavering heart and murmur sweet nothings that mean everything. I am speechless. And go silent.
You paint azure skis across a universe, yet kneel low to patch my shoddy brokenness … and dribble oil.
How can I say, thanks
for all you bring to the table?
You “are” where I am. I am where you are.
Reckless Love, You.
You beat a path to my doorway and linger longer than I deserve.
I watch, hands shielding eyes, as you pass by in all your glory and gasp for breath.
The voices
of a million angels, can’t express the words frozen
stiff on my tongue.
All that I am, and evermore will be, I owe it all to thee.
I shall lack nothing!
The LORD is my shepherd!
And I stand amazed!
~ Linda Andersen
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Resource Worth Noticing:
Spiritual Retreat for Tired Souls: A Guide for Spending Time Alone with God
Into a confused world exhausted by unexpected and wearying cares and suffocated by heartrending choices, comes this comforting book moving softly like a sweet breath of fresh air. Written for those who hunger and thirst to truly "experience" God at a deeper level, this book acts as a kind, loving mentor and guide, inviting all who read to "come."
A handbook leading each person from beginner to experienced to growth in spending time alone with Him.