A Lamp for Today

We turn to the Songs of Ascent, reading them in the light of Psalms 119-121 (MT 120-122), upon which they are based, and Hebrews 12:18-29, where we approach of heavenly Zion.

We read this stunning sixth censing prayer of Matins, looking to help from wise Church fathers, and the clarification of multiple passages in the Bible: Psalm 142 (143 MT); Romans 4:8; Philippian 3:12; 2 Samuel/2 Kingdoms 15-18, Rev 20:11, and Luke 21:17-18. God’s mercy towards us is always surprising, and is impressed upon us as we begin the Lord’s Day.

This week we read the fifth of the six “censing” psalms of Orthros, Psalm 102 (LXX)/ 103 (MT), and marvel at God’s invitation that we should bless Him. We are helped in understanding the Psalm by Hebrews 7:7, Colossians 1:12-13, James 2:13, and the blessed Augustine.

We read the fourth of the six Orthros psalms of penitence, Psalm 87 (LXX)/88 (MT), looking to Jesus as the “perfect Die-er” who brings light to the whole world, showing wonders even to the dead! This heavy psalm is understood through the similarly difficult passages of Luke 2:29-35, 2 Cor 5:21, Gal 3:13, John 12:20b-36, and Psalm 21(LXX) /22 (MT).

Today we read the fourth of the six Psalms recited by the priest at the beginning of Matins, Psalm 86 LXX/87 MT. With help from Joshua 2, John 4:14 and 7: 37-39, and Galatians 4:26-7, we unpack this psalm that celebrates the glory of Zion—a city founded by the LORD in the Old Testament, and that points towards an even more glorious heavenly city, to which we are called as citizens.

We look to Psalm 62 (LXX)/ 63 (Hebrew text) as a model for practicing the presence of God, and are assured that He is always with us, encouraging us to seek His face.

This week we look at the Matin’s Psalm 37 LXX (38 Hebrew), understanding it in the light of several Church fathers, Job, Hebrews 12:6, and Isaiah 53:7-8. We find in this “rough” Psalm much to think about regarding God’s judgment and mercy, sin and hope.

Psalm 3, sung during Sunday Matins, is full of various “arising” actions. We understand its drama in the light of David’s trouble with his son Absalom (2 Sam/Kgdms 15-18), the Psalm that Jesus prayed from the cross, Isaiah 60, and some wise ancient commentators.

We move on in this episode to consider the second royal psalm of Matins, Psalm 20 LXX/21 Hebrew, and see it in the light of Psalm 36/37, as well as 2 Samuel 3. Amazingly, the glory that the LORD Jesus shares with His Father makes its mark on us, as well!

This week we consider Psalm 19 LXX (20 Hebrew Text), the “royal beginning” to Matins, in which we are taught confidence in King Jesus, who ruled even from the cross. We are helped in our reading by several ancient commentaries, Philippians 2:5-11, Romans 7-8, and Hebrews 7, all of which show gratitude for the LORD’s actions in raising us up and glorifying us with Him.

We meditate upon Psalm 92/3, of which three poignant verses are recited in Saturday Great Vespers, with the help of the blessed Augustine, Isaiah 6, Ezekiel 1, Genesis 3, and Isaiah 51:9.

We read the third and fourth “lamp-light” Psalms (Psalm 129LXX/130 MT and 116/117), considering their profound truths in the light of Deuteronomy 30:11-14, Romans 10:6-8, Luke 23:34-46, Mark 14:37, and Mark 15:34. Crying out and waiting patiently are shown to be the most perfect human responses to the LORD, who alone is our Helper and the One who loves mankind.

We read the second “lamplight” Psalm, Psalm 141 (LXX) /142 (MT), clarifying its historical context by means of 1 Samuel (Kingdoms) 22 and 1 Samuel (Kingdoms) 24, and understanding its relevance to our lives today through the fathers and Hebrews 12:1-6. God is our true hope as we cry out to Him for deliverance, and as He surrounds us with those who journey on the same path.

We consider the first of the Lamp-lighting Psalms, Psalm 140 (MT141), with the help of select Church fathers, and in the light of Numbers 16; 2 Corinthians 5:21-6:1; Romans 5:1-2, and 1 Thessalonians 5:23-4.

In this second episode, we consider that selection of verses from Psalms 1-3 which is ordinarily sung in parishes during Great Vespers, and place these in their full context, while looking to 2 Samuel (2 Kingdoms)15-18 and also to select fathers for help in understanding. We see that our life depends upon being in Christ, the only Blessed One, and that even in our times of trial, God is with us, both to rescue and to bless.