Psalms, Day 4 Readings

The Majesty of God and Joy at Entering God's Presence  

Today's first reading is a song about God's magnificence.  God is holy and worthy to be praised.  God is a heavenly judge who also offers mercy and salvation to those who deserve punishment.  God is patient and steadfast, showing love toward the chosen people.  God is the undying creator of the universe.  God is the teacher of right versus wrong.  For these reasons (and many more), a human being should praise God and pray to God from the depths of his or her being, from his or her very soul.

Read Psalm 103  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading is a Song of Ascents -- one of the songs that groups of people would sing as they approached the Temple (which was the highest point in Jerusalem, meaning that you had to walk upward/ascend in order to reach it).  This is an overwhelmingly positive song, a song of unity and hope for the faithful.  

This also is one of the best known psalms in Britain.  The psalm has been sung at the coronations of British monarchs for over 400 years.  It also is commonly sung as an introit in Anglican services, particularly a majestic arrangement by Sir Hubert Parry.

Read Psalm 122  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Psalms 91-120 today.