My Soul Is Thirsting for You, O Lord, My God

Jeremiah never wanted to be a prophet. In his suffering and anguish he wanted to abandon his call. But God’s Word was like a fire burning in his heart, compelled to speak God’s Word. The verses from Psalm 63 form a bridge between the first reading and the gospel. The thirst for God is a yearning to return to the intimacy, once experienced, leaves one wishing for more. Just as we need water to live, our longing for God is innate. In praying this psalm, think about your love for God and how to live out that love. Renew your commitment to some part of your practice of the faith, remembering that discipleship is costly and an act of the whole self.

O God, you are my God whom I crave;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body aches for you
like a dry and weary land.

Let me gaze on you in your temple;
a vision of strength and glory.
Your love is better than life,
my speech is full of praise.

I give you a lifetime of worship,
my hands raised in your name.
I feast at a rich table,
my lips sing of your glory.

You have been my help,
I rejoice beneath your wings.
Yes, I cling to you,
your right hand upholds me fast.

[verses adapted from The Psalter © 1995, Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications.]