When I was at my Colditz-like prep school in the 1970s I used to think that the Psalms were incredibly boring, not to say incomprehensible, and resented having to croak my way through them at our daily chapel service.
Now I think that the Psalms are the key to almost everything that matters.
Jesus knew them intimately - and even quoted them on the cross. They have provided inspiration to Christians and comfort to martyrs from generation to generation.
They read like the best poetry (well, if you use the right translation: the Book of Common Prayer version by Myles Coverdale is my favourite) and they embody the wisdom of the ages.
In Medieval monasteries, the first task of novitiate monks was to learn the Psalter by heart. It’s a tradition I’m on a one-man mission to revive. I love memorising the Psalms and then reciting them in my head on my morning run with the dog…
Hence my 'Welcome to the Psalms' series in which I explore the meaning of the psalms with people who share my enthusiasm. They’re like the Delingpod, only with Psalms. Even if you’re not a Christian, I think you’ll find them fascinating. And if you are a Christian you’ll find them encouraging and illuminating.
So far its fans include a pastor from Uganda who wrote to say how much he loved the Psalm 23 episode. Spread the word!
Doing what I do can be tough at times. But what makes it all worthwhile is the love and support I get from my followers. Without you I am nothing. Your kind words and enthusiasm give me the strength to go on; and your sponsorship and patronage is what keeps me afloat financially. When I used to work in the mainstream media, the money kept rolling in because that’s how the system works: journalists and broadcasters are paid well because - whether they’re aware of it or not - they’re a key part of the lie machine which keeps us all in slavery. Earning a living outside that system is much harder. I’m so grateful that thanks to your generosity I have been thus far able to do so.
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