A song of ascent If God be for us, who can be against us? This well-known verse is found not in the psalms but in Romans 8:31. It contains the same message as Psalm 124, and in particular the last verse which has become a standard line in many liturgies: Our help is in the name of … Continue reading Psalm 124, 30 Sep 18

The first Psalm is well placed as an introduction to the grand themes of the whole Psalter. It urges us to follow a life-style and consciousness reaching for the highest divine standards, revealed throughout the psalms as centring on love, justice and equity. Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked … Continue reading Psalm 1, 23 Sep 18

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. 3 They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. 4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the … Continue reading Psalm 19, 16 Sep ’18

Psalm 125 is a song of ascent, and therefore typically short and hopeful. The premise is that those who trust in God will stand firm like Mount Zion. Divine love encircles like the hills surrounding Jerusalem, protection around your holy place. Last week, Psalm 45 reminded us that the sceptre or hallmark of divine rule … Continue reading Psalm 125, 9 Sep ’18