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
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.
Psalms in the South 