Nehemiah 9:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It is indeed remarkable that such a vast community held piety in such high regard, dedicating moments throughout the day—specifically at dawn, mid-morning, noon, and mid-afternoon—to engage in the listening of God’s law. They did this in order to refresh their spirits in the Lord and to approach His grace with purity and sincerity. Additionally, on four occasions during the night, he would awake from slumber to seek repentance for his transgressions and implore forgiveness. This practice, I believe, has given rise to a cherished custom within the Church: during daily prayer, a passage from the Old or New Testament is recited by heart for all to absorb. Empowered by the teachings of apostles and prophets, the faithful humbly kneel and pray fervently; even at night, when the day’s labors cease, they eagerly lend their ears to the sacred readings.

During Lent, the Church mandates the reading of sacred and spiritual texts. This encompasses the books of Genesis and Proverbs, the writings of St. Ephrem the Syrian, the Ladder of John, the instructions of the Studites, the Life of Mary of Egypt, along with materials that foster repentance, such as reflections on the Ten Commandments, which aid in preparing for a sincere reception of confession and the Eucharist. In Holy Week, it is essential to either hear the Holy Gospel in the church or read it in one's home, engaging with interpretations or reflections on the sufferings and final words of Jesus Christ, which the faithful soul finds endlessly enriching. Believers should embrace spiritual reading, particularly during Lent; the spirit is more attuned to such reflections during this time, making it an opportune period to ascend spiritually.