Psalm 118:
A Commentary
by Saint Theophan the Recluse
(1815-1894)
by Saint John of Kronstadt Press, 2014
Goodreads

VERSE 60:
I made ready, and I was not troubled,
that I might keep Thy commandments.

Obstacles don’t bother him who has renounced himself. And morning prayer to survey all possible contingencies.

Do not let anything reach your heart – this doesn’t mean being unfeeling of course, but let nothing disturb your deep inner peace.

VERSE 61:
The cords of sinners have entangled me,
but Thy law have I not forgotten.

cords  = sinful friendships and habits
Essential to resolutely break these bonds – and I would add, not allow new ones to form!
And keep God’s Law in memory.

VERSE 62:
At midnight I arose to give thanks unto Thee
for the judgments of Thy righteousness.

Best technique to tear oneself away from sin: night vigil, because it’s the time of temptation, and the time when the Bridegroom arrives.
Also:

Prayer at midnight is a concise image of all spiritual exercises of the soul: sobriety, vigilance, courage, attention, meditation about things divine. absorption into the word of God, the contemplation of God’s mysteries in all the doings of His Providence, and all the other things usually undertaken by the soul with intent to withstand sin and passions, and for the implanting of virtues.
p.168

PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THESE NOTES
Any reflection on these quotes?