There is something so emotional, real, and intimate about the Psalms, the “songs” of the Bible. I feel a connection with them–maybe because I play harp, and because King David, who was the composer of most of the Psalms, also played the harp. I think that is partly because of how the harp is played. When you play the harp, you “embrace” the instrument, and it literally rests on your heart. The Psalms often articulate and reflect the shades of the human heart–lament, praise, longing, and despair.
For me, the phrases and poetry of the Psalms engage my imagination. One of my favorite verses is: “With you is the fountain of life, O Lord.” (Psalm 36:9) Ruminating on those words, I think of the abundance, the excess, and the ever-present nature of a fountain. I like to imagine this Psalm excerpt like a prayerful litany, reading very slowly through the words. With God is the fountain of life, of love, of peace, of joy, of healing, of mercy. That fountain is ever-flowing. It is unceasing. It is infinite. It is mind-boggling. I can so easily call to mind my weakness, my pain, or my suffering. Yet, the abundance of life and rest found in God is like an ever-flowing fountain. I just have to open my heart and be vulnerable in order to receive it.
I first started playing the harp when I worked as a hospice RN in palliative care. Playing at the bedside of patients probably tops my list of most sacred experiences. The sense of hearing is the last sense to leave us. So, even if a patient has their eyes closed or seems to be in a comatose state, there is a good chance that they can hear you. A couple of months ago I played for Mary, a mother of 8 children, grandmother of 20, and great-grandmother of 6. Five of her kids were at the care center, holding her hand and talking to her. They made a list of some of her favorite hymns and songs for me to play. As the melodies weaved in and out, ever so often Mary would open her eyes in recognition. Tears were flowing for all of us. At one point, I started playing Silent Night–calling to mind the prayer to “sleep in heavenly peace,” resting in the arms of God, who is our fountain of life.
May this Psalm, which connects to the inner workings and longings of our hearts, be our song of hope.
Reflection by Maureen Briare ’92, ’04
