Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends

Chapter 2: Psalms 18–38

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Psalm 27 with Augustine – Seeking the Most Precious of All

The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? (v. 1). The Lord will give me both knowledge of himself, and salvation. Who shall take me from him? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? The Lord will repel all the assaults and snares of my enemy. I will not be afraid of anyone. One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life (v. 4). That as long as I am in this life, nothing may exclude me from those who hold the unity and the truth of the Lord’s faith throughout the world. To gaze on the beauty of the LORD , so that the delightful vision may appear to me that I may enjoy face to face. My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” (v. 8) For I have not exposed my thoughts to people; but in secret, where only you can hear. My heart has said to you: I have not asked anything from you, except the reward of your presence. Your face, LORD, I will seek (v. 8). I will persist in this search, not for anything common, but your presence, Lord, that I may love you freely, since I find nothing more precious. Do not hide your face from me (v. 9), so I may find what I seek. Do not turn your servant away in anger , if, while seeking you, I fall in with something else. For what is more grievous than this punishment to one who loves and seeks the truth of your presence? You have been my Helper. How shall I find help, if you do not help me? Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior. Do not scorn a mortal daring to seek the Eternal; for you, God, heal the wound of my sin.