Although this song is clearly an extended individual lament -- we are not sure under what particular trials and tribulations -- the Lectionary reading this week presents the resolution section, expressions of thanks, trust and praise for deliverance. David is so encouraged that he declares praise in the presence of the faithful in great assembly, … Continue reading Psalm 22, 29 April 18
Psalm 23, 22 April 18
Following the desolation of Psalm 22 (“Why have you forsaken me?”), the restoration and peace in this next psalm is a comfort. How sweet is resolution after a time of conflict, oppression or depression. The Psalter does not say ‘No pain, no gain’. This would be inconsistent with the concept of grace. But its songs often reflect … Continue reading Psalm 23, 22 April 18
Psalm 4, 15 April 18
This song 'of David' only just makes it into the lectionary, once in Year B alone. However, the themes of supplication, forgiveness, trust and peace are familiar from many other similar songs. The last verse seems to set it aside, not as an expression of divine protection for this is another common theme, but as … Continue reading Psalm 4, 15 April 18
Psalm 133, 8 April 18
How good and how pleasant it is when kindred live together in harmony. That’s the simple message of this psalm.” Like most of the psalms of ascent, it’s short and sweet. Some unusual but enticing images that require a little explanation adorn the short song: Fine oil upon the head, flowing down upon the beard, … Continue reading Psalm 133, 8 April 18
Psalm 100; singing a new song
There are thousands of musical settings of the 150 poems in the Psalter. Some of them are just a simple refrain of a few notes or an antiphon using the simplest chant without harmony, ranging up to grand elaborate works that stand alone as pinnacles of musical invention. In the latter category, the Psalmi Davidis poenitentiales … Continue reading Psalm 100; singing a new song
Psalm 114, 1 April 2018
This poem is all about the Exodus, the release from slavery in Egypt, and the transit to a new life across the Red Sea. There is no mention of resurrection, nor Easter of course. Indeed we read no reference to any divine influence until the very last verse. Was it, then, an April Fool's Day … Continue reading Psalm 114, 1 April 2018
Psalm 22 Good Friday 2018
This psalm appears on Good Friday due to verse 1, which Jesus quoted on the cross, and subsequent predictions: My God, why have you forsaken me? Much has been said in previous posts on this psalm. 🎵 The Good Friday observance is sometimes conducted with little or no music in a period of quiet contemplation. … Continue reading Psalm 22 Good Friday 2018
Crystal Ball, Apr-Jun 2018
This ‘sticky’ post is intended for South Woden readers. Scroll down for weekly blog posts. Subject to the choices of worship leaders, here are ideas for the Easter season and following months of 2018. 1 Apr. Ps 114. First up is a challenge. Nothing in my fairly extensive online Dropbox library, nothing in TiS, NCH asks … Continue reading Crystal Ball, Apr-Jun 2018
Psalm 118, 25 March 18
This psalm of thanks opens and closes with resounding acclamations of divine love and mercy that endure forever. In between are statements about trusting in God rather than in rulers (8), relief at delivery from evil and opposition (5, 10) access to goodness (19) and causes for rejoicing. Each year when this psalm arises on … Continue reading Psalm 118, 25 March 18
Psalm 51, 18 March 2018
St Patrick’s Day slides by largely unremarked. (I did have a Celtic style song based on last week's Psalm 107 up my sleeve; however, our singers' rendition of Everett's three-part refrain for 107, repeated in PFAS, was a pleasing and inspiring addition.) This week we preview that well-used Psalm 51, thereby moving into more sober territory … Continue reading Psalm 51, 18 March 2018
Psalms in the South 