CHANTING THE PSALTER

The Psalter · Prayer · Morning light

In catechesis, Father Seraphim taught us that reading the Psalter is an important part of our daily readings. I especially took note when he said that chanting or singing the Psalms helps them settle in the heart. I had already been singing them simply because singing comes naturally to me.

LEARNING TO CHANT

One day after Divine Liturgy, on my way to trapeza, I stopped at the parish bookstore and found a Russian Psalter. I find Russian and Church Slavonic so beautiful, especially in song. Once home, I began searching for videos of choirs chanting the Psalms and learning to sing along.

This has become part of my daily reading. Sometimes I sit and read through the Psalter; as part of my preparation for baptism, I have been asked to read it in its entirety four times. Other times, I spend two or even three hours with a single Psalm, listening and singing with the choir over and over.

Right now, I am learning Psalm 22 / Psalm 23 in Western numbering, “The Lord is my Shepherd.” Singing it in beautiful Russian chant brings me so much happiness, chanting the Psalter.

PRAYER OUTSIDE

I love going outside to watch the sunrise and sing. It is one of the reasons I travel: to spend time outdoors with my prayers and Psalter. Everyone has their reasons for traveling. This is one of mine.

Soon, I will be traveling to Moab, Utah. I look forward to morning prayers and chanting the Psalms as the sun rises over the red rock. For me, that is something majestic to look forward to.

DOM VECHERA · THE JOURNAL

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