Note for a Sojourn
May 6, 2020
Praying the Psalms
The book of Psalms is a collection of scriptural prayers that has inspired divine worship for communities of Jews, Christians, and Muslims for millennia. Traditionally attributed to King David, the Psalms are read, studied, memorized, translated, sung, and prayed by faithful believers in every generation.
At all times, it is helpful to remember that the Psalms are prayers. It is occasionally said that, at various points, the Psalms contain the full range of human emotional expression. Happiness, sadness, fear, disgust, anger, and surprise are all on full display. Sometimes the emotional language of the text hits close to home. Vengeance, desire, violence, despair, and shame are given voice to alongside forgiveness, gratitude, care, hope, and honour. Some of the verses can are difficult to pray. (Did you know that the Book of Common Prayer omits an entire chapter and a verse?)
I believe, however, the Psalms invite us into a very honest and human expression of who we are as God's people. When we encounter ourselves through the words of ancient prayers, we begin to encounter the presence of God in that same honest human experience. God is with us throughout!
Is God being revealed to you through a particular Psalm text? Do you have a Psalm that you return to again and again for inspiration or encouragement?
Patrick+
