[At Woden Valley this week: scroll right down Psalm 51 is the fourth or middle of the so-called ‘Penitential Psalms’. The subtitle is instructive: "To the leader. A Psalm of David, when the prophet Nathan came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba." So this is a sincere prayer by David seeking forgiveness and … Continue reading Psalm 51: 21 March 2021
Psalm 107, 14 March 2021
‘Let those who are wise consider the steadfast love of God’ (43) Many threads to a story. ‘Songlines’ exhibition at National Gallery of Australia, Feb 2018. Many of the psalms include references to widely varying ideas, statements and twists tossed in that at first sight seem to confuse. Sometimes they meld into a tasty, herbal mix: … Continue reading Psalm 107, 14 March 2021
Psalm 19, 7 March 2021
‘The statutes of God are just and rejoice the heart’ (6) Psalm 19 declares the glory of the divine as seen in the creation. The first section paints a picture of the worlds vibrantly interacting, speaking powerfully and prophetically without words, in response to the divine creative spirit. David thus declares the presence and influence of … Continue reading Psalm 19, 7 March 2021
International Women’s Day, 8 March 21
IWD is usually celebrated at Woden Valley Uniting and in many other venues during a Sunday service close to 8 March. Some comments, however selective, superficial and inexpert, are appropriate in a web-site dedicated to the music of the psalms and canticles. The inattentive visitor looking up at the vaulted Duomo of Siena might tread … Continue reading International Women’s Day, 8 March 21
Psalm 22, 28 Feb 2021
This psalm generally appears on Good Friday by virtue of verse 1, which Jesus quoted on the cross, and subsequent predictions: My God, why have you forsaken me? Opening verses of Psalm 22 in the Luttrell Psalter from Northern England around 1340. Held in the British Library, Add MS 42130. However the reading this Sunday … Continue reading Psalm 22, 28 Feb 2021
Psalm 25, 21 Feb 21
Image: Wikicommons The second acrostic in the Psalter (in Hebrew at least), the 22 verses of Psalm 25 neatly fit the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. This week we hear the first ten verses, in which David turns his eyes firmly to a benevolent, but justly balanced, God. Here, David apparently shares none of our … Continue reading Psalm 25, 21 Feb 21
Psalm 50, 14 Feb 21
The underlying message from Psalm 50 is to recognise that justice flows from an acceptance of divine principles and influence. The message is clothed in a vision of God speaking forth in awesome drama to call, "from the rising of the sun to its setting", for sincerity in the faithful: 4 God calls to the heavens … Continue reading Psalm 50, 14 Feb 21
Psalm 147, 7 Feb 2021
The last five songs in the Psalter, with 147 nestled in the midst, are all songs of praise and thanksgiving, calling upon us to sing and, in some cases, break out instruments to blow, strum or thump. Saturated with the awareness that divine creativity is an ever-present, ubiquitous active and sustaining force in the universe, … Continue reading Psalm 147, 7 Feb 2021
Psalm 111, 31 Jan 2021
Like the following sister psalm 112, this is a hymn of thanks and praise for gracious divine love, guidance and protection. An acrostic poem in the Hebrew, it may have been used for instruction. All the powerful key words of the psalter seem purposefully gathered in a pile. Besides those already mentioned from early verses, … Continue reading Psalm 111, 31 Jan 2021
Psalm 62, 24 Jan 21
‘I wait in silence.’ (1, 5) The repetition of this phrase within this song underlines the importance of switching off and reflecting in seeking patience, answers and encouragement. Remember Psalm 13 and other psalms asking ‘How long?’ Then this opening message of the first two verses, repeated in verses 5 to 6, continues: “For you alone are my … Continue reading Psalm 62, 24 Jan 21
