Kathisma

About this plan

In Orthodox Christian worship the Psalter is divided into twenty sections called kathismata, from the Greek word for sitting, because worshippers have traditionally been allowed to sit while they are read. Across a week the cycle covers all 150 psalms, and this plan sets out that weekly rhythm of morning and evening readings for you to follow.

Sunday’s morning reading is Psalms 9 to 24, including Psalm 23, and Saturday morning brings Psalm 119, the longest psalm. The Songs of Ascents, Psalms 120 to 134, are read on Friday evening, and the week closes on Saturday evening with Psalms 1 to 8, the beginning of the book, so the cycle starts again.

Psalm numbers here are those of English Bibles; the Greek Psalter used in Orthodox worship numbers most psalms one lower. If you pray with a printed Psalter or a service book, follow it first. This plan is a companion to the church’s prayer, not a replacement for it.

What you’ll read

• The Lord is my shepherdSundayPsalm 23
• A prayer of repentanceTuesdayPsalm 51
• Songs of AscentsFridayPsalm 120–134
• The long psalm, and the beginningSaturdayPsalm 119, Psalms 1–8

150 chapters · 1 book · every week

This plan follows the days of the week: each Sunday you read Sunday’s reading, and it begins again every week. Readings are set for the morning and evening.