History of writing
There are two versions of how the sacred text was created. Some theologians believe that David wrote it at the beginning of his reign, when, after the death of his parents, he was forced to take the throne. Surrounded by ill-wishers, the king turns to the Creator for help to protect him from disasters. Others put forward the theory that the prayer was written in the last years of the life of the ancient Israeli ruler. Be that as it may, the poems clearly express courage, courage, reverence for the Creator and the call to always rely only on Him.
Psalm 26 is a song for help
Small Bible
The collection was created over 800 years.
Moses started it, then David, his son Solomon, other priests and prophets. The book of psalms received its completed form during the times of Ezra and Nehemiah. Some texts are attributed to unknown authors, but most are from the hand of King David. He is deservedly considered a pillar of holiness, a Spirit-bearing mentor and the Greatest prophet of God. The texts contain all the Gospel provisions, both the history of the Old Testament and the messianic prophecies about Christ. They cover the period of the beginning of God's revelations about Himself, ending with the end of times. In essence, it is the Small Bible, containing the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. The power of prayers lies in the fact that they were created not by the human mind, but under the influence of Grace that the authors had.
Note: The impact on the soul and consciousness of the reader can be either stunning, sanctifying a person, or insignificant. Everything depends on the state of receptivity to God with which one approaches the texts. A proud and passionate nature will not meet with a response unless it finds points of contact with the Grace of the Holy Spirit. She will remain cold and distant from Divine speeches. And vice versa.
Brief interpretation and meaning
Psalm 26 is one of those songs in the Psalter that can be called praise and instruction. In the first verse, David talks about his unshakable faith in God the Father, that He is the basis of his life. Further, the author expresses sincere confidence that his enemies will not get the better of him, since the Lord himself is on his side.
Verses four through six are permeated with deep love and admiration for the Creator. The king believes that he is completely safe under his shadow. He promises to praise Him, to lift up joyful songs and hymns to Him, to serve Him.
The next three verses are a call for help, a request not to abandon Your servant. At the end of the psalm, David asks the Creator to help him cope with temptation, protect him from lies, evil, and prevent his death.
Psalm 90
History of writing
Psalm 90 was also written for a reason. Suddenly the king was overtaken by a serious illness. The doctors all unanimously said that this was a terrible pestilence. Everyone was looking for the best way to cure David of his illness. But the attempts were in vain, every day he grew weaker. Many people already thought about burying the king, but one day everything changed. David was healed by reciting his prayer.
Text of Psalm 90
In Church Slavonic with accents
Praise to the songs of David, not inscribed among the Jews 1 He who lives in the help of the Most High will dwell in the blood of the Heavenly God. 2 Saying of the Lord: Thou art my protector and my refuge, my God, and I trust in Him. 3 For He will deliver you from the snare of the trap, and from the words of rebellion, 4 His blanket will overshadow you, and under His krill you will trust: His truth will surround you as a weapon. 5 Thou shalt not fear from the fear of the night, from the arrow that flies in the days, 6 from the things that pass in the darkness, from the tangle, and from the demon of the midday. 7 Thousands will fall from Your country, and darkness will be at Your right hand, but it will not come near You, 8 but look at Your eyes, and see the reward of sinners. 9 For You, O Lord, are my hope, You have made the Most High Your refuge. 10 Evil will not come to You, and no wound will come near Your body, 11 For His Angel commanded You concerning You, to keep You in all Your ways. 12 They will lift you up in their arms, lest they dash your foot against a stone, 13 tread on the asp and the basilisk, and cross over the lion and the serpent. 14 For I have trusted in Me, and I will deliver, and I will cover, because I have known My name. 15 He will call to Me, and I will hear him: I am with him in tribulation, I will wear him out, and I will glorify him, 16 I will fulfill him with the length of days, and I will show him My salvation.
In Russian
Song of praise of David. Not inscribed among the Jews. 1 He who dwells under the roof of the Most High, under the shadow of the Almighty, rests, 2 says to the Lord: “My refuge and my defense, my God, in whom I trust!” 3 He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, from the destructive plague, 4 He will hide you behind His shoulders, and under His wings you will hope - His truth will surround you like a weapon. 5 You will not fear the terror of the night, the arrow that flies by day, 6 the plague that stalks in the darkness, the plague that destroys at midday. 7 A thousand shall fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not come near you: 8 only you will look with your eyes and see the retribution of the wicked. 9 For you have said, “The Lord is my hope”; You have chosen the Most High as your refuge; 10 No evil will befall you, and no plague will come near your dwelling; 11 For he will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways: 12 in their hands they will bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone; 13 You will tread on the asp and basilisk; You will trample on the lion and the dragon. 14 “Because he loved Me, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he has known My name. 15 He will call to Me, and I will hear him; I am with him in sorrow; I will deliver him and glorify him, 16 I will satisfy him with long days, and I will show him My salvation.”
Reading rules
There is another name for Psalm 90 – “Living Help”. The hymn of praise must be read slowly. For successful action, read three times. After each time there is a pause, the reader reads the sign of the cross three times.
How does prayer help?
Psalm 26 is one of the most powerful songs in the prayer book. It is read in times of great danger, asking the Lord to protect from death and disaster. Prayer helps:
- protect yourself from enemy attacks;
- prevent the grief they can bring;
- save your life, your loved ones, as well as property and livestock;
- recover from diseases;
- protect yourself from the envy or anger of ill-wishers.
During the war, St. Ambrose of Optina instructed to turn to this great prayer during shelling. Those who sincerely pray will definitely be spared by an enemy bullet or shell.
Saving life
Healing from diseases
Protection from the envy or anger of ill-wishers
What do the psalms have to do with us?
Despite the fact that the texts were compiled by Old Testament saints, they are included in the Divine service, filling up to 20% of the prayers read. During the week, the psalter is read in full (150 Ps.), and during Great Lent twice during the same period. Therefore, in some way it cannot be said that by our time they have lost relevance.
Everything created by God, His words, appeals to the human soul are eternal, like Himself. Psalms are read or sung:
- at the Liturgy:
- All-night vigil;
- hours;
- Six Psalms.
Note: At parish services, the reading of kathismas (translated as “sit”) is usually shortened. They do not reproduce the circle of prayers prescribed by the rules, unlike monastic prayers, where the entire kathismas are voiced.
There is the concept of “Indestructible (indestructible) psalter. Basically, this is monastic work. In the monasteries, reading in song goes on continuously. The monastics take turns chanting kathisma after kathisma (150 prayers are divided into 20 parts). After each, they remember the health and repose of those for whom notes were submitted.
Note: To correct unfavorable events in life, to help a person find the right path, to recover, to get rid of a vice, they order remembrance by reading the indestructible psalter. It is also necessary to pray for the newly deceased (at least 40 days), or if you often dream about the dead.
How to read Psalm 26 correctly
The 26th hymn is usually read together with two more psalms (50 and 90), as well as the Praise to the Most Holy Theotokos. The Greetings to the Virgin Mary are said first, and only then three texts of the Psalter are read out in a row.
During services, chanting usually takes place in Church Slavonic. If it is difficult for you to perceive it, then you can pray in Russian at home. Some priests recommend lighting a candle or lamp, but this is not necessary. The main condition is the sincerity of the person praying, complete concentration on the conversation with God, as well as strong faith in the spoken words.
For convenience, it is better to use not the Bible, but a prayer book. It contains verses already divided into parts, arranged in the necessary order.
Prayer “Virgin Mother of God, Rejoice”
The Blessed Virgin Mary holds a special place in the hearts of believers. Prayers to the Mother of God are powerful and can help in many ways. This prayer also has another name - “Angel’s Greeting.”
Prayer text
In Church Slavonic with accents
Virgin Mary, Rejoice, full of grace Mary, the Lord is with You, Blessed are You among women and blessed is the Fruit of Your womb, for You have given birth to the Savior of our souls.
In Russian
Mother of God Virgin Mary, filled with the grace of God, rejoice! The Lord is with You; Blessed are You among women and blessed is the Fruit born of You, because You gave birth to the Savior of our souls.
Reading rules
The prayer is short but very powerful. It is read during any adversity and life situations. It is read with the rosary 150 times. Prayer helps:
- When experiencing;
- For serious illnesses;
- From curses and dangers;
- To get on the right path.
Text of Psalm 26 in Russian
Since not all Christians fully understand Church Slavonic, the 26th Psalm (like the entire Psalter) was translated into modern language.
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life: whom shall I fear?
2 If evildoers, my adversaries, and my enemies come against me to devour my flesh, they themselves will stumble and fall.
3 If an army takes up arms against me, my heart will not fear; if war arises against me, then I will hope.
4 One thing have I asked of the Lord, this only do I seek, that I may abide in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to contemplate the beauty of the Lord, and to visit His [holy] temple,
5 For He would have hidden me in His tabernacle in the day of trouble, He would have hidden me in the secret place of His habitation, He would have lifted me up on the rock.
6 Then my head would be lifted up above the enemies around me; and I would offer sacrifices of praise in His tabernacle, and would begin to sing and make melody before the Lord.
7 Hear, O Lord, my voice with which I cry, have mercy on me and give ear to me.
8 My heart says from You: “Seek My face”; and I will seek Your face, O Lord.
9 Hide not Your face from me; do not reject Your servant in anger. You were my helper; do not reject me and do not forsake me, O God, my Savior!
10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will receive me.
11 Teach me, O Lord, your way, and guide me in the path of righteousness, for the sake of my enemies;
12 Do not deliver me up to the mercy of my enemies, for false witnesses have risen up against me and breathe out malice.
13 But I believe that I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
14 Trust in the Lord, be of good courage, and let your heart be strengthened, and trust in the Lord.
Any prayer is direct communication with the Almighty. A text thoughtlessly read will not save or help; it is only a way to turn to the Creator. The Psalter opens the way to God only to true Christian believers.
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Psalm 50
History of writing
Song 50 was written not for the sake of protection, but for the sake of forgiveness. David deeply repented of his sins and asked for the mercy of the Lord. If history is to be believed, the king committed adultery. He really liked the commander's wife, but this did not stop David. As a result, the woman became pregnant and the king tried to hide his sin. There was a rumor that it was the king who ordered the death of the commander, the beauty’s husband. You can hide a lot from people, but not from the Lord. The heavens were angry. A war began between David’s own children, blood flowed, and there were murders. Therefore, only with a special word, Psalm 50, could David beg God’s forgiveness. The text of the prayer was written by the king himself.
Text of Psalm 50
In Church Slavonic with accents
1 In the end, a psalm to David, always bring Nathan the prophet to him, 2 always going down to Bathsheba, the wife of Uri, 3 Have mercy on me, O God, according to the greatness of Your mercy, and according to the multitude of Your bounty. cleanse my iniquity. 4 Above all, wash me from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 5 For I know my iniquity, and bear away my sin before me. 6 I have sinned against You alone, and I have done evil before You, so that You may be justified in Your words and overcome, and never judge You. 7 Behold, I was conceived in iniquity, and my mother gave birth to me in sins. 8 For thou hast loved the truth, thou hast revealed to me thy unknown and secret wisdom. 9 Sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 10 Give joy and gladness to my hearing; humble bones will rejoice. 11 Turn away Your face from my sins, and cleanse all my iniquities. 12 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a right spirit in my womb. 13 Do not turn me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 14 Give me the joy of Your salvation, and strengthen me with the Lord’s Spirit. 15 I will teach the wicked your way, and wickedness will turn to you. 16 Deliver me from bloodshed, O God, the God of my salvation; my tongue will rejoice in Your righteousness. 17 O Lord, my lips are opened, and my mouth declares Your praise. 18 For even if you had desired sacrifices, you would have given burnt offerings without being pleased. 19 The sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, a contrite and humble heart, God will not despise. 20 Bless Zion, O Lord, with Your favor, and may the walls of Jerusalem be built. 21 Then you will be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, the wave offering, and the burnt offering: then they will lay the bull on your altar.
In Russian
1 For execution. Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came to him, 2 after he had gone in to Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah. 3 Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy, and according to the multitude of Your compassions blot out my iniquities. 4 Wash me often from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin, 5 for I acknowledge my iniquities, and my sin is always before me. 6 You, You alone, have I sinned and done evil in Your sight, so that You are righteous in Your judgment and pure in Your judgment. 7 Behold, I was conceived in iniquity, and my mother bore me in sin. 8 Behold, You have loved the truth in your heart and have shown me [Your] wisdom within me. 9 Sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be clean; Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 10 Let me hear joy and gladness, and the bones broken by You will rejoice. 11 Turn away Your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities. 12 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 13 Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. 14 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and strengthen me with the sovereign Spirit. 15 I will teach the wicked your ways, and the wicked will turn to you. 16 Deliver me from bloodshed, O God, God of my salvation, and my tongue will praise Your righteousness. 17 Lord! Open my mouth, and my mouth will declare Your praise: 18 For You do not desire sacrifice, I would give it; You do not favor burnt offerings. 19 The sacrifice to God is a broken spirit; You will not despise a contrite and humble heart, O God. 20 Do good, [Lord], according to Your good pleasure, Zion; Build up the walls of Jerusalem: 21 Then the sacrifices of righteousness, the heave offering and the burnt offering, will be acceptable to You; Then they will place bullocks on Your altar.
Why read?
Psalm 50 is read for forgiveness of sins and bad deeds. They say that after reading a song of praise, the soul ceases to be sad, anxiety and resentment go away.
Reading rules
In church services, the reading of the Psalter occurs daily, and in a week it is read in full. There are psalms that need to be read at a strictly designated time or day of the week, and for reading each of them, of course, there is a reason, pain or excitement
Since ancient times it was accepted that the Church Slavonic language became the language of worship; its drawling and melodious quality gives additional grandeur to kathismas and attracts all the attention of believers
It would be right for every Orthodox Christian to study this language and pray in it, even if the reading of the Psalter takes place at home. However, at present, not all believers know it well enough to understand the entire deep meaning of scripture without being distracted by the complexity of the interpretation of words. Therefore, the Church allows the reading of the Psalter in Russian, provided that this is necessary for studying and understanding the sacred meaning of the psalms. The main thing is to maintain peace of mind when reading the prayer, to believe and hope for the mercy of God.
