Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends

Chapter 6: Psalms 102–119:32

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Psalm 119 with Gertrude the Great – Determination to Follow God’s Commands I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding (v. 32). Prayer: Ah, lovingly-kind Jesus, although the will [to do what is good] is in me, I do not find [the strength] to accomplish it. Therefore, by the cooperation of your grace and through the spotless law of your love, turn my soul from the frailty of the human condition toward you in such a way that I may untiringly run in the way of your commandments and cling inseparably to you. Be with me, my Lord, aiding me always and making me strong in the work that I have taken up for the love of your love. And now, where will I go from you? Both in heaven and on earth, I now know nothing except you. My God, praise of Israel, you who dwell in the sanctuary (Ps 22:3), in whom I live and move and have my being (Acts 17:28), in you alone I trust. In you my heart is laid wide-open (2 Cor 6:11; Ps 119:32) because you are my entire and only joy and all my desire. The ray of your daylight has awakened my sleeping spirit. Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed (v. 116). Let me not be confounded in my expectation but grant me to find rest for my soul in you. I have found nothing more desirable, I have judged nothing more lovable, I have wished for nothing more dear than to be held tight,