Throughout this series we have joined some of our favorite biblical characters in the prayers they once prayed and which God has preserved for us in the Scriptures. As you ponder the variety of prayers from the Great Prayer Book, the Psalms, be enveloped by each word as if it was written directly to and for you…because in fact they were and are a gift from God for you. Praying the Scriptures in this way will bring health and vitality to your heart and soul, and great liberty to your life of prayer.

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Psalm 1 is the opening act to the dramatic portrayal of the human heart in dire need of God as portrayed throughout the psalter. The psalmist reminds us that without a pure delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night, we will be easily swayed in the direction of the wicked, sinners, and company of mockers. Psalms 19 and 119 are additional readings for reflection that reinforce the centrality of the Word of God in our personal spiritual formation.

Today…

Join the psalmist in pledging your heart to be like a tree planted firmly by a stream of living water, delighting in the law of the Lord (Psalm 1)

Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.

Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

Behold the splendor of the Lord – Believe the promises of his love – Belong to those who unreservedly trust him – Become prayerful in all you are and do.