Advent Psalter Reading Group

During our Advent journey towards the Nativity of our Lord, you're invited to participate with a group of Orthodox Christians who will bedaily reading through the Book of Psalms. The concept is pretty awesome and simple, and has truly made a big effect on me during my Lenten journey this past Great Fast. You gather a group (dedicated) and break up the Psalms to assign different ones to be read by each person daily. You end up reading through the entire Book of Psalms twice throughout Great Lent, but the really amazing idea to keep in mind is that as a group, the entire Book of Psalms is read each day!

Prophet David, composer of the Book of Psalms

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During Advent, most people associate this season with endless Christmas parties and shopping. However, the main reason for "fasting" during this season of preparation is to focus on our dependance on the mercy of God. While limiting certain aspects of our daily life, whether it be food, entertainment, selfish acts, etc. is not the goal of participating in any fasting season, it allows for the oppportunity to increase in other aspects of our life. We are called to increase our prayer life (individual and communal), charity towards others, especially those in great need, and draw closer to the knowledge of our merciful God.

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One great tool for this drawing closer to our Lord is to read more, not necessarily a spiritual work, but it certainly can't hurt. That's why I think joining this "reading group" during the Advent season will be very beneficial to those participating. It "forces" us to take time out of our busy day and focus on our Lord through reading the Scriptures. I have to plan my day to include time to participate (I certainly don't want to be the person who becomes lacking in my reading, as I said earlier, if all participate the entire Psalter is read daily).

If you are interested in joining this Psalter Reading Group during this upcoming Advent season, please contact me for more details!

- A Day in the Life of the Youth Director