At 176 verses, Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. When one follows a one-year Bible reading schedule of three to four chapters per day or a monthly reading schedule of Psalms at five chapters per day, Psalm 119 becomes a time challenge to most when it comes around to the day to be read. Its beauty and spiritual value to the reader means it’s worthy of focused attention. What is one to do if trying to follow a Bible reading schedule? Perhaps something I discovered and try to practice most months will be of help to you.
Psalm 119 is made up of 22 strophes (“stanzas”) which is about the same number of week days in most months. On Monday through Friday of each week, I try to begin my morning devotional time by reading and praying one strophe. This is just right since there is an average of eight verses per strophe. By the end of the month, except for February, I’ve thoughtfully read and prayed through the entire psalm. By taking one “bite” from Psalm 119 each week day, I have opportunity to “chew it” slowly so as to savor it. I often underline specific verses in each day’s reading and then incorporate them word-for-word into that day’s written morning prayer. This segmented approach allows me to linger over the Psalm through the course of a month. Instead of reading Psalm 119 one time when it comes up in the Bible reading plan, following this process for 12 months provides a familiar routine and, for me at least, an effective way to begin my quiet time focused.
In my opinion, the nature of Psalm 119’s content makes for an appropriate way to begin the morning’s quiet time with God and to precede any other Scriptures one might read during that time. Consider what it would be like to begin your morning devotions by praying the strophe “He”:
Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
and I will keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.
Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it.
Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to selfish gain!
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your ways.
Confirm to your servant your promise,
that you may be feared.
Turn away the reproach that I dread,
for your rules are good.
Behold, I long for your precepts;
in your righteousness give me life! (Psalm 119:33-40 ESV)
I’ve considered rotating through three Bible translations per quarter for the entire year. For example, read the English Standard Version in January, the Christian Standard Bible in February, and the New Living Translation in March, then repeating for the next three quarters.
I hope this suggestion for reading Psalm 119 is helpful to at least some. Let me know if it edifies you in any way.
Do you have a suggestion for reading Psalm 119? If so, I’d love to read about it in the comments section.
May the peace of Christ be with you.