The opening words of Psalm 42 (41 in the Greek Septuagint numbering) are:

“As a deer longs for flowing streams, so longs my soul for you, O God.”

This refrain seems to be a favorite of many who regularly pray the Psalms. We monks chant Psalm 42 every Monday morning at the Office of Vigils. It’s a good reminder at the beginning of the week.
Living as we do along the banks of the Chama River, we regularly see deer taking refreshment at the river, so Psalm 42 resonates well with our experience.
Today’s photo is of the logo of a company, called EKTOS (a Greek word for “outside”), that produces camping and general-use woolen blankets. The company is based in Livingston, Texas, and its logo captures well the sentiments of Psalm 42.

Just as God’s creatures, wild and tame, are instinctively attracted to the source of life itself, water, so should we humans long at all times for God’s life-giving Word and grace.

We continue to enjoy a fairly mild winter, and are praying for precipitation in the form of snow or rain.

Be assured of our prayers and please keep us in yours. Thank you.

Abbot Christian and the monks