Let My Prayer Arise

In the first of his reflections on the Psalms we pray at the Pre-Sancified Liturgy during Great Lent, Fr. Wilbur looks at Psalm 119 (120) and the journey of a sojourner.

Psalm 73 (74) asks the great "Why" question of humanity. That question is answered in a cave in Bethlehem as the God of the universe takes on flesh for our salvation.

In this prophetic Psalm, we have a song filled with love and a Psalm which gave theme to Hebrews 10. See the incarnation of Christ in this beautiful hymn of the Church.

Fr. Wilbur speaks about the hymn of entrance for the Incarnation of the Son of God.

This Psalm reflects the prayer of Christ in the garden who was not afraid to die but was terrified of death.

Fr. Wilbur continues looking at the morning Psalms with his reflection on this familiar Psalm from Orthros.

In his continuing series on the Psalms of Ascent, Fr. Wilbur looks at Psalm 130 (131 in the Hebrew) and says that the higher we rise into union with God, the lower we go from centering on ourselves.

Fr. Wilbur begins the last set of the Psalms of Ascent with another familiar Vespers Psalm - "Out of the depths, I have cried to You, O Lord."

This morning Psalm includes the familiar refrain "Arise O God!"

In the second episode, Fr. Wilbur takes us through Psalm 2 which begins "Why have the heathens raged?"

Fr. Wilbur begins his exploration of the Psalms with the well known Psalm 1 - Blessed is the Man.

We are now moving beyond the mid-point of our journey in the 15 Psalms of Ascent. Psalm 127 (128 in the Hebrew) talks about the "fear of the Lord" which is described as pure and enduring forever.

In his continuing series on the Psalms of Ascent, Fr. Wilbur looks at Psalm 126 (127 in the Hebrew) and the assurance that God is with us in the journey.

In this Psalm, we reflect on the middle of our journey when the newness has worn off and the destination seems so far away.

Continuing through the Psalms of Ascent, Fr. Wilbur reflects on Psalm 124 (125 in the Hebrew) where we take comfort in being surrounded by the love of God.

In the next Ode of Ascent, Fr. Wilbur shows us that God delivers us in close calls and close calls are the foundation of maturing faith.

Continuing with the Psalms of Ascent, Fr. Wilbur looks at Psalm 122 (123 in the Hebrew) which shows how we are given strength for the journey.

The Psalm of Ascent associated with the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy during Great Lent is Psalm 121 (122 in the Hebrew) where we "go up" to the House of the Lord.

Fr.Wilbur continues his series on the Psalms of Ascent looking to the hills "from whence comes my help."

Fr. Wilbur takes us through Psalm 28(29) where the prophetic vision of the worship of the Trinity is made manifest.

One of the best know Psalms for Orthodox Christians is Psalm 103 (104) which is chanted at each Vespers service. Fr. Wilbur explores the beauty and depth of this Psalm in today's podcast.

Fr. Wilbur takes a closer look at the Psalm we sing at every Vespers.

Fr. Wilbur introduces his new podcast by talking about the depth of the Psalms and how the Church views the Psalms in terms of the Historical, the Christological, and the Liturgical.

What does it mean to praise the Lord "Henceforth and Forever More?"

Another one of the morning Psalms asks the question, "How shall I walk?"

Fr. Wilbur reflects on the many facets of God's goodness.

Fr. Wilbur concludes his look at Psalm 50 (51) with the last 2 verses, in particular focusing on the meaning of "then they shall offer bullocks upon your altar."

Continuing his study of this wonderful penitent psalm, Fr. Wilbur looks at verses 13-17.

Fr. Wilbur continues his study of Psalm 50 (51) looking at verses 7-12 and the "deep cleansing" of our souls.

During this Lenten season, Fr. Wilbur takes us through this penitential Psalm of David. Today's episode teaches on verses 1-6.

Fr. Wilbur talks about the first 5 verses of one of the most beloved Psalms of the Church - Bless the Lord O My Soul!

Paschal images abound in this well loved Psalm prophesying the resurrection and ascension of our Lord.

Palm Sunday and Holy Week present opportunities for us to see Christ exalted, holy, and victorious!

This morning Psalm reminds us that without communion with God our souls are barren, untrodden, and unwatered.