A Sacred Word (or two)

AM Psalm 66 • Numbers 21:4-9 • John 3:11-17
PM Psalm 118 • Genesis 3:1-15 • 1 Peter 3:17-22

Some years ago, as part of an effort to better understand contemplative prayer, I read a little book entitled Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening, by Cynthia Bourgeault. If you are familiar with centering prayer, you know that a starting point for the practice is the selection of a “sacred word.” As Bourgeault explains:

“A sacred word is a word you yourself choose that symbolizes your willingness to [engage in centering prayer]. It’s the spiritual equivalent of a little piece of red string tied around your finger. It helps jog your memory, reminding you simply and promptly to let go of whatever thought you are thinking and return to that “naked intent direct to God.” (p. 25)

At about the same time that I read Boureault’s book I discovered, during a slow and reflective reading of Psalms with members of a monastic community, the phrase that would become my sacred word. It is from the first verse of Psalm 118, our psalm for this evening. O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever.

“Steadfast love,” in the New Revised Standard Version, washed over me in a way that the King James version’s rendering, “mercy,” never had. Although I have not consistently followed the practice of centering prayer in the years since then, that sacred word (ok, two words) has stayed with me.

Psalm 118 ends with the same verse of praise it began with. Not a bad way to begin and end the day, with your own choice of pronouns.

Written by Bob McMath

Linda and Bob greatly appreciate the opportunity to sing and get to know our fellow choristers better during our residency at Exeter Cathedral.