Psalm 2

Why do the nations conspire, 

and the people plot in vain?

They arise, the rulers of the earth; 

nobles plot against the LORD and his Anointed,

"Let us burst asunder their fetters. 

Let us cast off from their chains."

   

So now, O rulers, understand;

take warning, nobles of the earth. 

Serve the LORD with fear; 

exult with trembling, pay your homage,

lest God be angry and you perish on the way

in the blaze of God's anger. 

Blessed are all who trust in God.   

   

Psalm 2:1-3, 10-12 

The Ecumenical Grail Psalter      

    

When reading more traditional translations of the psalms, one must grapple with words like wrath, anger, and evil. I think this grappling is part of the reason for my undertaking this practice.  In order to face this life honestly, we must be able to look squarely at what appears to be an affront to the teachings of what it is to live faithfully. Perhaps this is why people have been praying the psalms for centuries. These prayers and hymns are not about cowering in fear, but rather learning to live in reverence. We are connected to one another, but these connections do not have to be with ball and chain; they can free us with and into light and love if we but let them.