I have a few things that I do on a regular basis and one of those is reading the Psalms. In terms of a personal discipline it is probably the closest I come to doing something everyday. I characterize myself as consistently, inconsistent, but in reading the Psalms, I have edged closer to what could be termed a regular practice. It has been a richly rewarding routine and one that I anticipate will yield even more benefit in the years ahead.

As noted biblical scholar NT Wright states,

Sing these songs and they will renew you from head to toe, from heart to mind. Pray these poems and they will sustain you on the long, hard but exhilarating road of Christian discipleship. (From The Case for the Psalms). 

Consider God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness as described in Psalm 103,

as far as the east is from the west,

so far has he removed our sin from us.  Psalm 103:12

or the cry of despair expressed in Psalm 13

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?

How long will you hide your face from me?  Psalm 13:1

There are those very familiar and comforting words of Psalm 23. Less well known is the pointed challenge of Psalm 90 where the psalmist, recognizing our common mortality, calls out to God,

Teach us to number our days aright,

that we may gain a heart of wisdom.  Psalm 90:12 

The Psalms, arising from a variety of experiences, give voice to our deepest emotions. The Psalms, enlighten us about the character of God while giving us words to both praise him and to cry out in our pain and lack of understanding. The Psalms can be a place to turn for immediate comfort, but even better they are a wellspring from which to drink often. Regular time with these songs will deepen our conversation with God. Each time we come to these ancient texts we will have made space for him and only good can come from that.

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,

that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.  Psalm 90:14 

May my prayer be set before you like incense;

may the lifting up of my hands

be like the evening sacrifice.   Psalm 141:2

 Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™