Psalms Breathing: Meditating the Psalms with Music, Movement and Silence

It is especially true for the psalms, those intimate and emotional hymns, for every thing human is in them...every emotion, every suffering; victory and defeat. Here you will learn to walk them as living Word, with the help of three special methods...music, movement, and silence. It is not an analytical or scholarly process. It is becoming as close to the Word as breathing. It is what we call meditation.

Each of these methods...music, movement, silence...is meant to draw you away from the intellect, from "your own understanding," from words...toward listening, surrender, poverty in spirit, wisdom. This may seem strange at first, but soon you will find it charming and refreshing.

Do not attempt to read quickly through this book. Use it as a part of your daily devotions, praying the psalms appointed for each day. Meditate them, that is read them reflectively, ponder them, let them echo within you. The music will deepen your experience, the movements will energize you, and the experiences of silence will transform your consciousness. You will not understand all that you read in a precise way, but you will allow it to change you. It will penetrate deep within you and it will begin to transform your thinking.

Meditate the psalms morning and evening. Begin with formal prayer (I use the "Daily Devotions" in the Book of Common Prayer^*), then read (sing, chant, walk, dance) the psalms for that day. Conclude...always...with silence. Ask God what he wants you to learn from these verses. Listen and stay as alert as you can. Sometimes you may receive a clear message, more often not. More than anything you will experience a growing sense of his presence, his guidance, his manner of thinking.

Such is the basic plan. These simple thoughts of mine will be repeated over and over, in many ways, as you work your way through the book. You will learn some new ways of reading Scripture, such as slowing, whispering, bowing, walking, lifting the hands, singing that alternates with reading, dancing. You will learn to use the drum in your praying. You will begin to experience what Scripture calls new song.

with silence. And in this silence, stop everything ...thoughts, words, memories, anticipations, restless movements. Clear your mind as completely as you can. In a few seconds it will be busy again. Clear it again. Sit comfortably in an upright position. Other than this, no special posture is required, no special techniques, no mantra; just silence, eyes open, learning to listen.

Begin with five to ten minutes of silence, keeping the time constant from day to day. Gradually increase the time as it feels comfortable. In your silent time do not consciously think about the verses you have read or try to analyze them. Let them work on you from within, without words.

No instructor is required, no guru, for your instructor is the Holy Spirit. Ask God to teach you and he will teach you. Ask him to show you his will and he will show you. Seek his guidance and his presence. Use the materials in this book as you find them useful; adapt them to your own personal style. Set aside a regular time and place for your meditation, but keep them flexible. You can meditate anywhere, at any time. Always begin with prayer and end with silence. This will be your path of life.

Make the decision that these Scriptures are in fact the Word of God, that is, a way for God to speak to you. What is God trying to teach you in these readings? Put aside for now the historical and literary background of the psalms. Scholarly disputes about the text are not important to you at this moment. Rather, think of the experiences in the psalms as your own. How does this text relate to you personally?

Read the psalms for each day, not only those that appeal to you. Read regularly, setting aside the same time and place each day for your study. Read slowly, aloud if possible, in a deliberate, rhythmic way, as explained below. If you still find yourself perplexed, read again, more slowly, one or two verses at a time.

Intersperse your readings with silence, as described above. Always conclude with silent reflection. As soon as possible, begin to add music and movement, using the instructions given below. As you gain confidence, experiment on your own. Do not expect perfection, but enjoy as best you can.

The psalms may be used for individual or group study. When you study in groups, remind one another that we are all experts, no one is an authority. Do not be intimidated by scholars or clergy. Ask the Holy Spirit to interpret for you, and let these beautiful Scriptures speak to you.