This psalm, like others in this final handful in the Psalter, is a song of praise, calling the faithful to rejoice in the creation and in the ubiquitous evidence of divine love and care. ‘Starry Night’ by V van Gogh. Wikimedia commons With sudden shifts of focus and a visionary sweep of the universe, the … Continue reading Psalm 147, 2 Jan 22
Psalm 148, 26 Dec 21
God gave creation a law that shall not pass away.' (6) Praise God from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps, fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind This popular psalm is in the middle of the final group of half a dozen songs of praise which bring the Psalter to a climax. In broadly … Continue reading Psalm 148, 26 Dec 21
Psalms 96, 97 and 98: the Nativity
The Revised Common Lectionary lists no psalm for Christmas Day itself. It makes up for it -- somewhat mysteriously, it must be said -- by offering three psalms for Christmas Eve 24th December, for three separate observances called Proper I, II and III. For those (few?) who follow this pattern, which does not include Woden … Continue reading Psalms 96, 97 and 98: the Nativity
Past glories: another review
Following the last two blog posts (Beyond the menace and Wellsprings) in which we have been looking over our shoulders to the past year or two, let us peer even further back into the dim distant dusty annals of early years of music and the psalms. While at the piano I might readily slip into … Continue reading Past glories: another review
Wellsprings: another review
Again this Sunday, no psalm is listed. So following last week's 'Beyond menace' review and as Christmas and a New Year approach, we take a moment to look at another aspect of the challenging experience of recent months, the choice of music. Wise men or just Singers in the South? Few psalm singers around the … Continue reading Wellsprings: another review
Beyond the menace: a review
Psalms take a back seat during the season of Advent. This Sunday 5 Dec and next, the Lectionary lists no psalm. Then Christmas is upon us with its carols and readings for the nativity. Like Fagan in the musical 'Oliver', we take the opportunity of "reviewing the situation" after some unsettling times during the pandemic. … Continue reading Beyond the menace: a review
Crystal Ball, Advent ’21 to Lent ’22
For Woden Valley: As we emerge from social restrictions, we resume gatherings for worship. Psalm presentations resume therein. Small group rehearsals will not begin again until 2022 due to mask restrictions. Year C of the Revised Common Lectionary begins 28 Nov, Ps 25:1-10. And so again into Advent. Here's the chosen refrain: 5 Dec and 12 Dec, no … Continue reading Crystal Ball, Advent ’21 to Lent ’22
Psalm 25, 28 Nov 21.
‘Integrity and uprightness preserve me’ (21) Image: Wikicommons As Year B of the Lectionary closes, the season of Advent opens Year C. Psalm 25 is an appropriate song since it is full of hope and trust in goodness to come under codes of divine justice and guidance. In Hebrew this in an acrostic psalm, this … Continue reading Psalm 25, 28 Nov 21.
Psalm 132, 21 Nov 21
Note for WVUC. Thematic considerations lead us to sing Psalm 43. For music associated with this lovely song ("Send out your light and your truth let them lead me") see the main page, Psalm 43: Light and Truth. Music choice at WVUC is outlined below. This thirteenth song of ascent is a call and response … Continue reading Psalm 132, 21 Nov 21
Psalm 16, 14 Nov 21
Like the twenty-third, this is a song of trust and protection in divine presence, the source of goodness and guidance. David describes God as his portion and cup, evoking familiar imagery in themes that connect well with daily life. He recognises his fortunate heritage: My boundaries enclose a pleasant land 6 My boundaries enclose a … Continue reading Psalm 16, 14 Nov 21
Psalms in the South 