In Psalm 17 (click here for the text) David, for it is attributed to him, asks for purity and protection. Continuing the idea of transparency heard recently in Psalm 139 -- ' Search me O God' -- David is confident that examination will prove his faithfulness. My footsteps hold fast to the ways of your law; in … Continue reading Psalm 17, 2 Aug 20
Psalm 105, a frequent visitor
Sing praises to God; tell of wondrous works.Psalm 105:2 Can Psalm 105 really be called a frequent visitor when it appears in Year A alone in the three-year Lectionary cycle? That seems a long time between drinks. Well, it makes up for its long absence by rocking up on four Sundays over the space of … Continue reading Psalm 105, a frequent visitor
Crystal ball; August ’20
2 Aug '20. Psalm 17:1-7, 15. Together in Song 6 or PFAS 17B suggested. 9 Aug '20. Psalm 105: 1-6, 16-22, 45b. See 26 July in the previous Crystal Ball. We plan to use one recording for all four occurrences of this psalm from July to September. 16 Aug '20. Psalm 133. ¡Miren qué bueno!, … Continue reading Crystal ball; August ’20
Psalm 139, 19 July 2020
Search me O God and know my heart; try me and know my restless thoughts. (v. 23) First instincts, you would think, would be to hide away known failings, bad habits or secret prejudice. Other-approval can be a strong influence on what we say, on whether we open up. Here, however, David feels transparent in … Continue reading Psalm 139, 19 July 2020
Psalm 119 Nun, 12 July 2020
A crossword clue came up a few days ago that said something like: 'Light on the feet'. I immediately thought it might be 'LAMP': Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light upon my path. (Ps 119:105) Nowhere near right. It meant fleet of foot, tippy-toe and fancy footwork. However, if you … Continue reading Psalm 119 Nun, 12 July 2020
Psalm 45, 5 July 20
A female presence flows through the readings for this Sunday 5 July. First in Genesis is the record of how Rebekah stepped out in faith to meet an unknown Isaac. Psalm 45 is a song to a king and his bride. And from the Song of Solomon we hear: My beloved speaks and says to … Continue reading Psalm 45, 5 July 20
Crystal Ball, July ’20
Recorded and online ministry continues, thanks to the dedication and inspiration of ministers, members and more remote resources. 5 July '20. Psalm 45:10-17 or Song of Solomon 2:8-13. The voices in the Old Testament readings this Sunday are female, a welcome change in a literary collection that reflects the male domination of its era. [No … Continue reading Crystal Ball, July ’20
400th: Psalm 13, 28 June ’20
This is the 400th post in Psalms in the South. Thanks to all readers and contributors over the last seven years. For comments or ideas for the future, please use the Comments field at the foot of the page (after the survey form). I will sing to God for dealing with me richly (Ps. 13:6) … Continue reading 400th: Psalm 13, 28 June ’20
Psalm 86, 21 June 2020
An antiphon for the winter solstice, the tune dipping and rising. Summer? See below. Depending on your locale, dear reader, you are about to enjoy either the shortest or the longest day in the year. At South Woden Uniting we have sometimes used an antiphon tune written to mark the occasion. (For reflections on the … Continue reading Psalm 86, 21 June 2020
Vive la Différence
The previous post declared our solidarity with those distressed by racism. It's also a time to rejoice, a time for ascent. Vive la différence, colours of the rainbow, tomahto tomayto, E pluribus unum, the spice of life, Bhinneka tunggal ika ... Variety is frequently mentioned in these pages, especially regarding styles of psalm singing from … Continue reading Vive la Différence
