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
Category: Psalms
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
Psalm 116, 14 June 20
Isaac Watts (1674-1748) whose paraphrases of the psalms are used in many songs. You may have listened to the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir's Psalm 116 when it came up in April 2020. At that time, moved by the recent loss of American civil rights leader Joseph Lowery, an African-American setting of an old Isaac Watts hymn, … Continue reading Psalm 116, 14 June 20
Psalm 8, 7 June 2020
O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth. (v.1) This opening declaration is repeated at the end. It therefore appears to be the first psalm in the Psalter with an internal antiphon to be sung as a responsive expression of thanks and praise. Actually, the verse has little to do … Continue reading Psalm 8, 7 June 2020
Crystal Ball, June 2020.
For SWUC: volunteer psalm singers please contact the webmaster with your song choice. 7 Jun 20. Psalm 8. In the cosmology of Psalm 8, humankind is a jewel of creation, somewhat less than perfect, yet ‘adorned with glory and honour’ (v.5). Significantly, the creation is placed under our care (v. 6), a responsibility that is … Continue reading Crystal Ball, June 2020.
Psalm 104, 31 May ’20
You make springs gush forth in valleys, they flow between hills. - Verse 10 Image: Libby O’Loghlin Here we have epic demonstrative poetry, the poet overcome by the glory and power of the creation — and the Creator. The author’s feelings are quite infectious: You are clothed with honour and majesty, wrapped in light as … Continue reading Psalm 104, 31 May ’20
Ps. 68 again; old and bold
The psalms have been central to spiritual life for thousands of years. They entered Western liturgical use largely through the Roman rites, translated from Hebrew into Latin and other tongues. Early translation into Old English was from the Latin by learned monks or scribes, usually writing between the lines in the vernacular. Here, for example, … Continue reading Ps. 68 again; old and bold
Psalm 68, 24 May 2020
You refreshed the land when it was weary. Your people dwell there, O God, you have made provision for the poor. Psalm 68:9, 10 In the selection for this Sunday -- the first ten and last four verses of the long song -- David draws this conclusion from the evidence of "when you marched forth … Continue reading Psalm 68, 24 May 2020
Psalms in the South 