Reflection from Nigel Price

Psalm 19.7-end

The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous.
They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.
By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Reflection

Today we celebrate Polycarp, hence the Collect below. Polycarp was a Greek Bishop in the 2nd Century. He was renowned for spreading the Gospel among pagans and fighting heresies, a patient and lovable preacher. He was martyred at the age of 86 for refusing to renounce Christ, saying 'I have served him for 86 years and he has done me no harm - how could I curse my King who saved me?' He was burned at the stake, but it is reported that the flames did not touch him and he was killed by the sword.

In his Rule, St Benedict devotes a whole chapter to the order of the Psalmody. Typically in monasteries and convents the whole Psalter (150 Psalms) will be recited on a two week cycle, although some are said daily. The rhythm of the day is punctuated by prayer - Seven times will I praise you for your righteous laws (Psalm 119:164). If you are ever lost for words when you try to pray, dive into the Psalms for inspiration - they are a real treasure trove! You may recognise the last verse used by some preachers (including me on occasions) as a prayer introducing the sermon. There is a verse to cover every eventuality, including those moments when you lose patience with God, thinking that he is not listening to your prayers! Do learn from what the Psalmist writes.

Collect for Polycarp

Almighty God, who gave to your servant Polycarp boldness to confess the name of our Saviour Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world and courage to die for his faith: grant that we also may be ready to give an answer for the faith that is in us and to suffer gladly for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.