Psalm 36 (Prayer In Movement)

This is a psalm prayer in movement to be done in pairs by an even number of persons.

"¢ How precious is thy steadfast love, O God! Take partners and spread out. One member of each pair begins by kneeling, or sitting back on his or her heels, body bent over; the other begins by standing, facing the partner. Hold this position while the first line is slowly sung or read. Then in response the person kneeling raises his or her back and lifts up his or her hands, palms upward, as the standing person (a "God figure" of love) bends forward and lowers the hands, palms downward, till they meet the upraised hands of the partner. This is done very slowly, so that the meeting of the hands becomes a meaningful moment. "¢ The children of men and women take refuge in the shadow of thy wings. While the line is sung or read, the lower person in each set rises to his or her knees and each couple then slowly embraces, folding arms around one another, each in his or her own way. "¢ They feast on the abundance of thy house. The "God figure" helps the kneeling person to rise, then grasps with the right hand the partner's left hand and steps backward in a small circle as the partner walks forward. The "God figure" leads the other gently around, gestures with the free hand as if showing the "house"—the river of delights. Think of it as a thanksgiving in movement for God's bounty. "¢ And thou givest them drink from the river of thy delights. The "God figure" bends down as if scooping imaginary water and rising, passes it to the partner who with cupped hands and swaying body accepts it in a variety of ways (such as drinking deeply, bathing in a fountain, and so on). This passing and receiving can be done a number of times. "¢ For with thee is the fountain of delight. Both persons gradually stop the gesture and come to a standing position facing each other, a few feet apart. Both persons place their hands with palms facing inward, a few inches in front of their own face. "¢ In thy light do we see light. All slowly separate their hands as if parting a curtain and look at their partner face to face, receiving "light" from one another. This position is held for a few seconds. Note: This is simply an outline for a movement meditation. Each couple must make it their own. If possible, go over the text beforehand and have someone lead some movement warm-ups.