The Orthodox tradition provides specific Psalms for various spiritual needs, compiled by St. Arsenius of Cappadocia and popularized by St. Paisius of Athos.
Here are some Psalms selected for common spiritual and life needs as described by the saint:
- Peace of mind, sadness, and despondency: Psalm 3, Psalm 4
- Enlightenment, decision-making, and success: Psalm 2, Psalm 1
- Fear and protection from enemies: Psalm 35, Psalm 62, Psalm 11
- Illnesses and healing: Psalm 5, Psalm 28
- Finding a job and help in poverty: Psalm 38
- Parental care and children’s upbringing: Psalm 22, Psalm 109
- Family peace and understanding: Psalm 126
- Spiritual repentance and gratitude to God: Psalm 50, Psalm 149
Reading in a prayerful mood, beginning and ending with “Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit…” is recommended. If a specific need isn’t listed, please share it for guidance to the relevant Psalms for spiritual relief.
The Psalter according to Venerable Arsenius of Cappadocia, as explained by St. Paisius of Athos, was used for blessings in various situations, especially when no church service was available. The Greek original from the “Elder Paisius” edition by Hieromonk Christodoul, 1994 “Reading the Psalter in Various Cases” includes:
- Psalm 1: For successful growth of trees or vines.
- Psalm 2: For enlightenment in meetings and councils.
- Psalm 3: For the cessation of malice.
- Psalm 4: For healing the despairing from cruelty.
- Psalm 5: For healing eyes wounded by ill-wishers.
And so on, for each Psalm detailed in the text.
Venerable Arsenius attributed specific needs to each Psalm. For example, Psalm 1 was for planting, Psalm 2 for enlightenment, Psalm 3 for removing malice, and others for various life situations. St. Paisius of Athos added two other Psalms with interpretations for gratitude and prosperity.
The Psalms may be read by priests and believers alike for various purposes including agriculture, animals, children, disasters, physical and mental health, governance, spirits, peace, familial relationships, property, defense, public and spiritual affairs, travel, and work.
Psalm Index for specific uses:
- Agriculture: 1, 26, 30, 52, 62, 66, 71, 83, 124, 147, 148.
- Hostile animals: 63, 123, 147.
- Children: 22, 76, 109, 113, 114.
- Death and the deceased: 33, 150.
- Disasters: 17, 21, 30, 50, 62, 68, 85, 89.
- Physical health: 5, 12, 28, 36, 37, 44, 56, 58, 63, 79, 86, 88, 95, 102, 108, 122, 125, 128, 145, 146.
- Mental health: 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 24, 27, 41, 55, 56, 60, 61, 69, 70, 80, 81, 84, 97, 100, 103, 128, 136, 138.
- Women’s health: 18, 19, 40, 67, 75, 106, 142, 145.
- Laws and government: 14, 16, 32, 36, 47, 51, 59, 72, 82, 84, 93, 101, 108, 110, 137, 140, 141, 143.
- From unclean spirits: 5, 6, 8, 9, 13, 33, 57, 65, 90, 94, 96, 121.
- Peace and war: 26, 33, 42, 73, 78, 93, 107, 111, 117, 118, 120, 127, 131, 132, 135, 140, 141, 143.
- Peace in the family and among friends: 10, 19, 22, 35, 41, 43, 45, 54, 65, 76, 86, 94, 109, 116, 126, 127, 139.
- Property:
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