Psalm 115 is a song of praise to divine love and faithfulness (v.1), a source of security (9-11) and blessings. Other psalms suggest 'Our nation is better than your nation', with a sense of preference for a chosen people. Here is refreshing humility, whether applied at national or personal level. And as we were reminded at … Continue reading Psalm 115
Psalm 45
Psalm 45 is the closest we get to a love song in the Psalter. The poem is by the sons of Korah addressed first to the king, probably Solomon, then in a second voice to the bride. (v. 10) Hebrews 1 quotes verse 6 (and a clutch of other psalms) in relation to Jesus. Being more in … Continue reading Psalm 45
Psalm 41
The gospels differ slightly in how they report the Beatitudes. Luke says: "Blessed are the poor", while in Matthew we read: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matt.5:3) Whatever Jesus actually said, it's quite possible he was quoting this last song in Book 1 of the Psalter: Blessed are … Continue reading Psalm 41
Psalm 40
Psalm 40, which comes up in March each year as well as Epiphany in Year A, is a rich and captivating poem, said to be by David. It begins with patience, awe, thanks and song: God set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. God put a new song in … Continue reading Psalm 40
Psalm 81, 28 Aug ’16
Psalmist Asaph begins by casting into a shimmering spotlight some energising phrases: Raise a song and sound the timbrel, the merry harp and the lyre. Blow the ram's horn at the new moon, and at the full moon (v.1, 3) Then this touch of mystery: I hear a voice I had not known: "I eased your shoulder from the burden You … Continue reading Psalm 81, 28 Aug ’16
Psalm 83
This psalm, last of the songs by Asaph, is a historically informed (that's Asaph for you) prayer for action against evil. Well, it's actually against Israel's enemies; but it's hard to take a prayer for violent destruction of opponents too literally in the politically correct twenty-first century. It's just as hard not to look at it as unreconstructed … Continue reading Psalm 83
Psalm 38
The third of the seven Penitentials, this psalm is glass half empty -- no, make that a quarter -- through to verse 14. The opening verses mirror those of the first Penitential Psalm, 6. The singer regrets failure, inadequacy, illness and a thorough-going weariness. Then comes the half full, and an urgent request for comfort: For in you … Continue reading Psalm 38
Psalm 26
We find early in this song an echo of Psalm 1. The writer, thought to be David, declares his innocence and refuses to 'sit with the wicked' (v. 5). He offers a prayer for justice and confirmation of sticking to the 'right way' -- that powerful word 'integrity' occurs at beginning and end in some translations. Psalm 1 … Continue reading Psalm 26
Psalm 103, 21 Aug 16
Note. The primary reading for this Sunday is Psalm 71:1-6. Please see the relevant post here>. The secondary readings include Psalm 103, said to be 'of David'. This song is a well-rounded tour of all the ingredients for worship -- praise, why we are blessed despite the brevity of human life, and the kindness inherent in … Continue reading Psalm 103, 21 Aug 16
Psalm 20
Psalm 20 appears only once in the three years of the Lectionary -- and I probably missed it when it came up last year because we were in Berlin again. After a gracious prayer for safety and prosperity in time of trouble, the psalmist (this song is attributed to David) goes on to warn against … Continue reading Psalm 20
Psalms in the South 