The Psalms

Mike Farley

I have come to recognize, from periods in my own life of desolation and functional solitude (being alone in the sense not always of physical isolation, but of being cut off from understanding and comfort: "You have taken from me friend and neighbor – darkness is my closest friend." (Psalm 88.18)) the power of this kind of prayer, and how actually to pray the Psalms, to take their words and make them one's own, brings strength and refuge, comfort even, in dark places. I don't think it is hyperbole to say that at these times in my life I would not have come through had it not been for the Psalms.

In some deep mystery these words in the Psalms prefigure the cross of Christ, and it is there that understanding begins to break through. Jesus called his disciples to "Take up your cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." (Matthew 16:24-25). Peter wrote "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." (1 Peter 2:21)

Silent Assemblies Newsletter

[Now is a good time, I find, to read the Psalms and let them speak to you and for you. There is some of what Bernadette would call “forcing the fit” but somehow the ancient words of deep anguish and hope in God, speak to this time, reminding us there is nothing new – including no new suffering - under the sun.]