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The Cries of a Broken Person – Translating Psalm 88
There are many lament psalms within the Psalter. Yet, there is only one lament psalm without a positive resolution. This is that psalm. It is a complex weaving of expressions between the brokenness of their life amidst the quiet distance of God. Every word written/spoken here an act of faith, and trust in their Lord…
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An Invitation to Praise God – Translating Psalm 95
Let us sing praise. Let us respond to the invitation before us. Let us choose to Praise God with our voices, and let our hearts respond to Him who saves us. This wonderful psalm has one of the most prominent positions within the Divine Office. It is the introductory psalm which is prayed each day…
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On Stepping into Greater Presence
To be present is a gift. Presence is simple. Yet to truly be present requires all of oneself, and the discovers of deep inner work.
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Great Works of the Lord – Translating Psalm 111
Praise the Lord who is active, present, concerned about His people, and doing justice. This psalm focuses on the many works that the Lord has done, and the overarching sense of His care. The core of praise is wrapped up within an address of the first audience. Those who are upright and embody all the…
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Protected by the Shelter of the Most High – Translating Psalm 91
There is a deep love and appreciation for the Lord in this psalm. That seemingly against the odds they have survived an ordeal and are praising God for their protection throughout. It is not possible for us to know the circumstances of this protection, but the psalmist exhorts us to follow their example in putting…
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A Night Prayer in the Sanctuary – Translating Psalm 134
Bless those who pray throughout the depths of the night! This psalm is only three verses long. When we come across shorter passages, it can be tempting to read them quickly and move on. The psalmist turns their attention to those who serve and pray to the Lord. These words rest on a foundation of…
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God the Savior – Translating Ephesians 1:3-10
From before history until the end of time, God is bringing all things together in Christ. This is the hopeful message the Apostle Paul is reminding the Ephesians. That God, who lives and has his being on beyond our experience of time has redeemed us. God has made his mysterious will known to us in…
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His Mercy Endures Forever – Translating Psalm 136
This psalm is known as the Passover Hymn. It was a part of various temple and Passover traditions since the first temple period. There is a sweeping arch of praise being given to God. Praise for who God is, his work of creation, his role in delivering his people Israel out of Egypt, and bringing…
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The Lord Hears my Cries – Translating Psalm 4
This psalm is raw with emotion, and of faithful trust in who God is. There is such a strong opening, and reminder that God is the one who was a previous source of justice for David (who is noted as the author). From a state of oppression God rescued him. It took me three days…
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Israel Freed from Egypt – Translating Psalm 114
We find ourselves invited by the psalmist to reflect on the period of exodus and taking the promised land. The unknown psalmist uses a healthy dose of repetition to highlight the work God had done to rescue and claim his people for himself. Psalm 114Israel Freed from Egypt 1When Israel came out of Egypt, *…
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Praise the True God – Translating Psalm 115
This psalm was full of repetition, and contrast. The unknown psalmist finds themself living in a world that worships idols. Being surrounded by idol worshipers that don’t know God leads the psalmist to reflect on their relationship with, and promises from the Lord. Psalm 115Praise the True God 1Not to us, Lord, not to us,…
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Messiah, King, & Priest – Translating Psalm 110
What a wonderful first psalm to translate and prepare for our breviary. It does not take much imagination to see hints and glimmers of Jesus in these words of David. Much of the imagery Jesus shared about himself. He told us that he was going to sit at the right hand of the Father in…
