Psalms, Day 1 Readings

A Faithful People and a Shepherding God  

Today's first reading is a song about the sanctification of God's people.  The Jews would have been familiar with the ritual cleanliness needed in order to enter the Temple; the psalm suggests that there is a cleanliness in being faithful too (whether in the Temple or outside of it).  Those who claim the identity as God's chosen people must not only worship God in the Temple, but must live in a certain holy way.

Read Psalm 15  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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The second reading is the most famous of the psalms, the 23rd, which begins "The Lord is my shepherd...."  In this song, God is a steadfast protector and provider for human beings, but what God provides goes far beyond basic necessities of food and shelter.  Even in difficult times, and in the face of enemies, God provides abundantly.

Read Psalm 23  (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 1-30 today.