Psalm 61

An Assurance of God’s Protection

To the leader: with stringed instruments.

Of David.
Hear my cry, O God;
  

 listen to my prayer. 

From the end of the earth I call to you,
   

when my heart is faint.


Lead me to the rock
  

 that is higher than I; 


for you are my refuge,
  

 a strong tower against the enemy.


Let me abide in your tent for ever,
   

find refuge under the shelter of your wings.
          

Selah 


For you, O God, have heard my vows;
   

you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.


Prolong the life of the king;
   

may his years endure to all generations! 


May he be enthroned for ever before God;
   

appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!


So I will always sing praises to your name,
   

as I pay my vows day after day.

This is a gorgeous short psalm that appears nowhere in our Sunday lectionery. 
This is the only time and place that we hear it in our scriptural rotation.
But the imagery is exquisite:

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I....

Let me abide in your tent forever, 
find refuge under the shelter of your wings.

I will sing praises to your name,
as I pay my vows day after day.

Any one of these phrases would make a 
breath-taking mantra for this day in the season of Lent;
a perfect refrain for today's love song to God!