The 'Skip and jump' series (see this earlier post of Jan 2016) started off to fill the gaps -- the psalms we do not hear. Psalm 70 only qualifies if you do not observe daily worship for Holy Week (which is South Woden). Those who do will hear (hopefully sing) this one on Wednesday thereof. (You will also hear 36 … Continue reading Skipping, 70, 64
Category: Psalms
Psalms for palms; 118, 31
After a couple of opening verses of Psalm 118 proclaiming divine goodness and mercy, the lectionary (liturgy of the palms) cuts to the second half. As Jesus enters the gates of Jerusalem, so here: Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter them and praise God. (v. 19) That corner stone now appears. The … Continue reading Psalms for palms; 118, 31
Possibly a bit harsh
You alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. (Ps.16:5)
Psalm 126, 13 March 2016
Psalm 126, a song of ascent, contains one of the great scriptural narratives. The sower goes out with seed, responding to the ever-changing seasons, renewing a livelihood. It's not easy. Drought comes -- or floods, birds and animals. Weeds grow to choke the good seed. However: May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. … Continue reading Psalm 126, 13 March 2016
Psalm 32, 6 March 2016
International Women's Day on 8 March is an important day in many churches including South Woden, a community who has long valued inclusive and egalitarian policies and practices. One cannot define the divine in terms of our own human gender. Our practice here as we sing psalm verses is carefully to paraphrase the sung text to … Continue reading Psalm 32, 6 March 2016
Psalm 63, 28 Feb 2016
Just like last week, Psalm 63 for Lent 3 holds familiar words and imagery, water this time rather than light: You are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. (Ps. 63:1) The preceding lectionary reading from the Old … Continue reading Psalm 63, 28 Feb 2016
Psalm 27, 21 Feb 2016
God is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? Light -- the light of the world (John 8:12) and light upon the path (Psalm 119:105) -- is a theme found in many psalms, in words that have become familiar by virtue of repetition and songs based on such verses. This psalm offers encouragement, weaving together two threads of thought. … Continue reading Psalm 27, 21 Feb 2016
Psalm 91, 14 Feb 2016
The devil took Jesus to a high place and said: "Jump! You'll be fine... ... it is written, 'God will command the angels to protect you; on their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.' (Luke 4:9-11) Psalm 91 is where it is written. That is why this is … Continue reading Psalm 91, 14 Feb 2016
Psalm 99, 7 Feb 2016
At last, Psalm 99 comes up again! This is worth waiting for. [You scan the verses to see what the urgency is all about. You find bold words about God being enthroned … high above all peoples … proclaim the greatness of the Lord. Well this is all fine but you have heard it … Continue reading Psalm 99, 7 Feb 2016
Psalm 71, 31 Jan 2016
The full psalm, of which we read but 6 verses at this time, touches many of the common ideas sprinkled throughout the psalter; the essential goodness and caring nature of the creator, the rock, the strong fortress; the psalmist seeking succour 'out of the depths' of harsh experience; assurance of a benign protection against inimical powers, … Continue reading Psalm 71, 31 Jan 2016
Psalms in the South 