Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends

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Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends

Psalm 6 with Gregory of Nyssa – Repenting Surely when we consider the precision of the coming judgment, when even the most insignificant of our sins of omission will be subjected to investigation, we will be frightened by such a dreadful idea, uncertain where the process of judgment, in our case, will lead. . . . For this reason, speaking as if he were already suffering, the psalmist represents the voices of those in distress, to whom what is being done to punish the unrighteous seems to convey anger and wrath. He is saying, in effect: I do not wait for the correction of my hidden faults to take place in me, through the dreadful punishments that proceed from that anger. Instead, by my confession, I choose to experience beforehand the sorrow of his wrath. Those who are punished against their will experience pain that reveals the hidden aspects of lawlessness. Those who repent of their own free choice welcome punishment through repentance and expose the sin hidden in the deepest parts of themselves. . . . However, the psalmist shows in verse 9 the good hope of repair that also arises from repentance. For immediately—almost in the same breath—he speaks of God’s reaction to repentance. Coming to an awareness of God’s pleasure in it, he proclaims his gratitude aloud and rejoices in the gift, saying, The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer (v. 9).