All who have faith in the Eternal stand as Mount Zion:
unmoved, enduring, eternal.
Psalm 125:1
Ponder or Prayer?
Think back on the last day or two. Is there something in particular you can identify that has been weighing on your mind? Something you were pondering? Did you give yourself permission to ponder it further? Does your pondering ever turn into a conversation with God?
The English word “ponder” comes from the Latin word pondus (meaning weight) – As a verb, it suggests the mental activity of weighing or considering something (like a scale). It is a reflective way of thinking. When we ponder something we hold it carefully and give it space. We turn it around and look at it from various angles; we ruminate on it, thinking about it repeatedly and often casually. It isn’t about being efficient but about considering all of the various aspects.
Go for a walk and pick up an object that catches your eye – maybe a pretty leaf or a small stone. Hold it in your hand and ponder it for a minute. What do you see? What do you not see, but as you ponder could still be true of the object?
Now consider the thought or concern that has been weighing on your mind. How is it impacting you? Do you talk to God about it? Has it or could it be turned into prayer?
“Pondering becomes prayer when reflection arises in a mind that is open to God.” (p. 88)
“Pondering prayer is responding to the invitation to bring your mind, heart and imagination to your communion with God.” (p. 104) From “Opening to God” by David Benner
If you feel inclined, write down the thought or concern that has been pressing on your soul:
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Psalms of Ascent
The Psalms of Ascents were prayers sung out by the Israelites as they made the long journeys to Jerusalem three times a year, multiple times throughout their lives. Could the Psalms of Ascent have been ponderings by the Israelites that turned into prayers and songs?
• When was the last time that something that was occupying your mind; something that you were pondering, turned into a prayer or a song of worship?
• Are your ponderings typically just musings that become distractions or are they becoming an opportunity to connect with God in prayer?
The Grandeur of the Mountain
At some point in your life, you have likely had the opportunity to experience the grandeur of the mountains. If not, you can’t help but know that we are surrounded by mountains just living in Escondido.
• Take a moment, close your eyes and picture the tallest mountain you have ever seen; whether in person or on a documentary. What does the picture of a mountain communicate to you? Identify some feelings, dreams or even fears that may come to mind.
• Share some of your ponderings about mountains with God.
Solitude
Take only this sheet to a quiet place and spend the next 30-40 minutes in solitude with God. Try to stay focused on just being with him, reading his words and allowing your ponderings to become prayers.
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Psalm 125
Start by being silent. Just be still and listen for God’s voice.
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Read through Psalm 125 slowly, pondering the words and allowing them to penetrate your heart. Don’t try to come to any conclusion. Just allow God to speak to your soul.
1 Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people,
from this time forth and forevermore.
3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest on the land allotted to the righteous,
lest the righteous stretch out their hands to do wrong.
4 Do good, O Lord, to those who are good,
and to those who are upright in their hearts!
5 But those who turn aside to their crooked ways the Lord will lead away with evildoers!
Peace be upon Israel!
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Read Psalm 125 a second time. What words stand out to you? Read slowly and allow yourself the time to reflect on those words.
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Read Psalm 125 a third time and ask yourself the following questions:
• What stands out to you?
• What emotions were stirred by the words that stood out to you?
• Was there something that you pondered that could be turned into a prayer or a conversation with God?
• Do you feel any resistance? Is it difficult to allow your ponderings to turn to prayer?
• Talk to God about these ponderings in honest prayer.
• Conclude in silence, listening for God’s voice of promise, love and protection.
This week…
Following are more Psalms ready and waiting for further reflection. Consider spending 30 minutes each day for the next week, reflecting on the following Psalms using the format above.
Psalm 14, 15, 19, 49, 90, 123, 128