Dear Human is a Verb Community,
I’m working on a “Praying with Scripture and Songs” podcast miniseries, and I’m excited to share this first of seven episodes with you. I hope these are a gift to you and your nervous system as they will invite you to breath, slow down, and pray. Even as I was making this, I thought—I need this, to slow down, to breath and to allow scripture to awaken prayer in me.
Peace,
Julene
Welcome to Human Is a Verb, a podcast about practicing the sacred work of being human. I’m your host, Julene Tegerstrand. I’m a spiritual director and the co-founder of Everyday Peacemaking.
This episode is the first in a seven-part series called Praying with Scripture and Song.
Today, we’ll move through this prayer together in a few simple steps: a brief moment of music, a short breathing practice, a time of listening to scripture using Lectio Divina, and then an invitation to continue praying through a song.
Let’s begin.
Opening Music
We’ll begin with a short piece of music. Just let it help you slow down and settle into this moment.
A Breathing Practice
Let’s give our bodies a moment to arrive.
If you’re driving or walking, keep your eyes open and your attention where it needs to be. Nothing here requires you to change your pace.
Notice that you’re already breathing. Air coming in. Air going out.
Now let’s add a gentle rhythm to your breathing.
Inhale through your nose for four. One… two… three… four.
Exhale slowly for six. One… two… three… four… five… six.
Again.
Inhale. One… two… three… four.
Exhale. One… two… three… four… five… six.
One more time.
Inhale. One… two… three… four.
Exhale. One… two… three… four… five… six.
Now let your breath return to its natural rhythm.
As you keep breathing, notice one place where your body meets the world around you—your feet on the ground, your hands where they rest, the sense that you are being held by something beyond yourself.
Introduction to Lectio Divina
In a moment, you’ll hear a passage from Psalm 51.
The point is not to understand every word, but to listen for a word or phrase that feels alive for you today, or that gently invites your attention.
This way of praying is called Lectio Divina. It means “holy listening.”
Lectio Divina is more than studying the Bible or figuring out what the text means in general. It’s about listening for what God might be saying to us right now.
We’ll listen slowly, more than once. Each time, you may notice something different. There’s no right or wrong way to do this.
The invitation is simply to allow your soul to be listened to by yourself and by God.
First Reading (Lectio)
Listen now for a word or phrase that gently catches your attention.
Psalm 51
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love. You desire truth in the inward being; therefore, teach me wisdom in my secret heart. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.
Second Reading (Meditatio)
We’ll read the text again.
This time, hold onto the word or phrase that stood out to you. Let it connect with your life today.
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love. You desire truth in the inward being; therefore, teach me wisdom in my secret heart. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.
Response (Oratio)
Now, quietly respond to God in your own words.
You might turn your word or phrase into a simple prayer. It could be a sentence, or even just a few words.
Rest (Contemplatio)
I now invite you to let go of the words. Let go of your prayer.
Simply rest in God’s presence.
If your mind wanders, gently return to your word or phrase, like an anchor.
Song as Prayer
Now, continue this prayer through a song based on Psalm 51.
This song is meant to be received as a prayer.
As you listen, notice where your body softens or tightens. Pay attention to any line that feels tender, difficult, or relieving.
If a phrase stays with you, you don’t need to explain it. Just let it stay with you.
Psalm 51: Soften Me, Song
Closing Prayer
Let us close with a short prayer.
Merciful God, you work gently and patiently in our hearts. You soften what has grown hard and hold what we cannot yet release.
As we return to our day, help us carry your kindness with us and offer that same kindness to others.
Create in us clean hearts, O God. Soften our hearts, that we may be open to you.
Place within us a willing spirit.
Amen.
Outro
Thank you for listening and for taking the time to pray.
Most of the music you heard in this episode was created using Suno.
You can find a link to the song Soften Me on my Substack at humanisaverb.substack.com,and in the show notes for this episode.
One of the ways I notice myself softening to God, and to what the deepest part of me longs for, is through spiritual direction—a space where I’m listened into speech and can name what is stirring in my heart.
If you’re longing for accompaniment along the way, I’d be glad to talk with you. You can sign up for a free inquiry callusing the link in the show notes.
In the second episode of Praying with Scripture and Song, we’ll be praying with Psalm 32.
May you continue to live and breathe in such a way that you grow into your true humanity.
I look forward to praying with you again. Go in peace.
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