Nelson Mandela, 1918-2013. Image: Wikimedia commons Give the leader your justice O God. (v. 1) This psalm asks for the ruler to show justice, compassion and goodness to his people. Surely a common enough theme, but more poignant since we see how often rulers around the world are more interested in grasping power and its … Continue reading Psalm 72, 8 Dec 13
Category: Psalms
Psalms – a summary <140
The title reference to less than 140 is nothing to do with psalm numbering: it's short tweets. Thanks to Rachel for this fantastic RT from Ben Myers, who is summarising the books of the bible in a few words on Twitter. His take on the psalms: The invention of antiphony: when my heart broke in two, … Continue reading Psalms – a summary <140
Psalm 98, 10 Nov 13
It's easy to pick a good verse for the antiphon this week. Verse 1 says: Sing a new song to God, who has done marvellous things. We are to be blessed on Sunday 10 November with another visit by The Gospel Folk, ably directed by Brian. For their last visit over a year ago now, … Continue reading Psalm 98, 10 Nov 13
Psalm 119, 3 Nov 13
Our male voice group returns to lead us as we revisit that longest psalm, 119 - on this occasion from verse 137 to 144. Annotated text for singers may be found here > (Link will expire soon after 3 Nov.) We follow the familiar model of a cantor singing the first line or phrase, with all … Continue reading Psalm 119, 3 Nov 13
Psalm 65, 27 Oct 13
We don't 'do' Thanksgiving as a holiday in this country. However, we have often in our autumnal season held a harvest festival of some sort, rejoicing in the rich produce of the land. Here, it's spring rather than the 'season of mists and mellow fruitfulness', of course; but Psalm 65 set for this Sunday is … Continue reading Psalm 65, 27 Oct 13
Psalm 119, 20 Oct 13
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. - Psalm 119:105 Great verse - perhaps you think back to Scripture Union days - but actually you won't hear it this Sunday, as it's just outside our Lectionary reading which includes verses 97 to 104. Never mind, the glow permeates … Continue reading Psalm 119, 20 Oct 13
Psalm 66, 13 Oct 13
A place of refreshment Many sources of sung responses for this week's psalm refer to the idea, appearing especially in the last lines of the Lectionary selection verse 12, of restoration after trials: We went through fire and water; but you brought us out into a spacious place (NRSV) - or 'a place of refreshment' … Continue reading Psalm 66, 13 Oct 13
The feather flew
The feather flew, not because of anything in itself but because the air bore it along. Thus I am a feather on the breath of God. - Hildegard of Bingen Word and song from a thousand years ago flew easily and lightly again today, carrying our imaginations and spirits with them. We are grateful for all … Continue reading The feather flew
Psalm 91, 29 Sep 13
The worship this day will be conducted by the Social Justice action group. Psalm suggestions are here> or http://lectionarysong.blogspot.com.au/ PS. Late news is that the team will be using one of the two settings of this psalm in Together in song
Psalm 104, 22 Sep 13
On 22 September 2013, we feature the inspirational work, music and thought of Hildegard of Bingen To support this theme with a psalm presented in a historically consistent setting, we are using the Gregorian chant as it might have been heard in monasteries and nunneries in the Rhine Valley in her time, the 12th century. … Continue reading Psalm 104, 22 Sep 13
Psalms in the South 