Praying the Psalms: May It Be So

As Holy Week nears, our Lenten devotionals shift. Jewish and Christian communities have long prayed the Psalms as a spiritual practice and discipline. As our Lenten journey nears its end, we invite you to try praying the Psalms, as well.

After a few centering breaths, try beginning by reading the Psalm aloud and slowly. A second time, read each petition or praise and pause to offer your own prayers or thanksgivings to God. A third time, read each line and put those sentiments into your own words, you may want to write your paraphrase down or simply say it aloud. Close by reading the Psalm in reverse, starting with the last line and moving to the beginning.

Try this with Psalm 36 below and share your experience using the hashtag #IPCLent. We’d love to see your paraphrases of the Psalm!

Psalm 36: 5-11

Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your judgments are like the great deep; you save humans and animals alike, O LORD.
How precious is your steadfast love, O God! All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.
O continue your steadfast love to those who know you, and your salvation to the upright of heart!
Do not let the foot of the arrogant tread on me, or the hand of the wicked drive me away.