Psalm 65:4b, 7 NRSV
We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house,
Your holy temple…
You silence the roaring of the seas,
the roaring of their waves,
the tumult of the peoples.

When I first read Psalm 65, I was reminded of Thanksgiving. Verses 9-13 praise the bounty of God, the Lord of the Harvest, who provides water, flocks, and grain in abundance. This generous provision is a needed blessing for any community, but especially in a difficult environment like the desert.

When I reread the psalm, I was drawn to verse 7, especially the phrase “You silence… the tumult of the peoples.” Provision of food and water is a way God silences the desperate cries of deep need. It is worthy of thanks all on its own, yet there is more to praise. There is always more to praise. God goes deeper and further in satisfying and silencing because that’s God’s being, God’s desiring. God goes beyond “give us this day, our daily bread” to meet the needs of body and soul and community.

Praise is indeed due you, O God, for you…

• answer prayer (vs. 2) so we are not left alone in the monkey brain, the incessant inner monologue of our questioning and worry.
• forgive our sins (vs. 3) so we are not abandoned to the mayhem of twisted choices and broken relationships.
• provide us a home in your family (vs. 4) so we are not overwhelmed by crushing waves of isolation. We so need the companionship and support of others, especially the wise and faithful.
• deliver us, the deepest of need, so we are not left despairing and hopeless in the chaos of trying to save ourselves.

Prayer based on Psalm 65
Praise is due to you, Generous God,
We commit ourselves to you alone
For you answer prayer and welcome all who seek you
Satisfy us with your goodness
Silence all competing and false voices
Speak Lord, your servants are listening

When sin and pain overwhelm us, you forgive and heal
Satisfy us with your goodness
Silence the chaos and destruction
Speak Lord, your servants are listening

Bring us near. Raise a song in our hearts.
A shout of praise and thanksgiving in your sanctuary.
Satisfy us with your goodness
Silence all apathy and skepticism
Speak Lord, your servants are listening

By awesome deeds, you answer us with deliverance,
O God of our salvation;
You are the hope of all the ends of the earth
Satisfy us with your goodness
Silence prejudice, suspicion, and hate
Silence the guns of war and the rhetoric of terror
Speak Lord, your servants are listening

You visit the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it
You provide the people with grain, Great God of Abundance
Raise up a shout and a song of joy across the whole world
Satisfy us with your goodness
Silence the cries of hunger and need
Silence the cries of injustice and despair
O Lord, open our lips, and our mouths will declare your praise.

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Satisfying and Silencing, reflection and prayer © 2015 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia
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