Daily Psalter Reading - Fifth Friday

Today's reading: Psalms 118 (119) verses 1-131

Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 118/119:105

Today we are reading a portion of the longest Psalm. In fact, it is the longest chapter in the entire Bible! It doesn't take a very careful reading to recognize that its topic is scripture itself. Nearly every verse which we read today mentions either God's Word, His Law, His testimonies, His statutes, His precepts, etc... The Psalmist is clearly captivated by the Word of God. He goes so far as to say "With open mouth I pant, because I long for thy commandments." (verse 131) Most of us can probably not echo these sentiments. That's alright, but can we strive to come nearer to this desire for God's Word? A few weeks ago we highlighted the writings of St. Porphyrios, and reflected on his encouragement that even wanting to love God, or His Word, is a good enough place from which to develop into a greater love.

We are nearing the end of Lent now. Hopefully we have spent more time in prayer and in the reading of scripture. To spend time praying and reading scripture is the best way to develop a desire to spend more time praying and to know better the Word of God. St. Peter of Damascus offers us an encouragement similar to that of St. Porphyrios. "If someone wants to be saved, no person and no time, place, or occupation can prevent him."

We wish you a blessed journey for this last week of Lent, and a blessed feast of the Annunciation!

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