The plan for the coming month looks roughly like this -- a first cut, and anything can happen according to leaders' inspirations, the Cantor's whim and happenstance. 1 May. Psalm 67 is quite like the Aaronic blessing, suggesting lots of atmospherics. There's a famous canon by Tallis, but it needs preparation. If our visiting leader wishes, we could sing The emergent psalter (May God … Continue reading Crystal Ball, May 2016
Psalm 144, a gross skip
While we have the bookmark at Psalm 148 for 24 April 2016, let's pick up Psalm 144 (text>), the nearest 'skip' or omission from the Revised Common Lectionary. Gross? Young readers, if any, may not realise that way back in pre-metric times (excuse me Americans), 144 or a dozen dozen was called a gross. [Quiz … Continue reading Psalm 144, a gross skip
Psalm 148, 24 April 2016
The last half-dozen psalms in the book raise songs of praise to the creator, like a symphony rising to its finale. In Psalm 148, the psalmist casts around the whole creation, summoning elements from all corners to join in singing praise to the name of God. It's a nice picture of solidarity, including natural and heavenly … Continue reading Psalm 148, 24 April 2016
Psalms 11 and 12, skips
Dig and delve I got away with discussing Psalms 9 and 10 together because they are really part of one psalm (see relevant post here>). No such excuse for 11 and 12 (also skips) but let's dig and delve briefly in both anyway; they are both attributed to David and have similar statements of trust in divine inspiration, … Continue reading Psalms 11 and 12, skips
Psalms 9 and 10, skips
Psalm 10 never makes it into the weekly Lectionary readings, but 9 just sneaks in: "Year B, ordinary time, June 19-25 (if after Trinity)". Sounds iffy indeed. But still, 9 does not qualify as a 'skip'. So on to 10. But wait! In the early Septuagint translation and the original Hebrew, these two songs were one. (1) … Continue reading Psalms 9 and 10, skips
Psalm 23, 17 April 2016
On Good Friday we noted that, in the midst of darkness of Psalm 22 (why have you forsaken me?), the restoration and peace in the next psalm was not far away. So here they are, those pastures green and cup overflowing of Psalm 23. How sweet is resolution after a time of conflict, oppression or depression. The Psalter does … Continue reading Psalm 23, 17 April 2016
Psalm 7
First, many thanks to our women who provided such beautiful singing and leadership in Psalm 30 on 10 April. A confident and inspiring crafting of words and flow of music liberate listeners to follow and respond to the narrative and spirit of the song. Next Sunday, that old favourite the Shepherd Psalm -- El Señor es mi Pastor. Iris reads the … Continue reading Psalm 7
Psalm 6
Next up in the skip and jump series is 6, the first of the so-called penitential psalms. The author is suffering, weak and weary, seeking healing and freedom. Near the end of the song, the author declares relief; "God accepts my prayer" (v.9). Recall a line sung by our male voice quartet recently: Those who sow … Continue reading Psalm 6
Psalm 30, 10 April 2016
Psalm 30 may have originally been a song of thanks for recovery from a serious illness. Evidently this was somewhat worse that just flat batteries; brought up from death and 'the Pit' (verse 3). Whatever the origin, the psalmist -- it's again attributed to David -- gives thanks for finding restoration and divine mercy after … Continue reading Psalm 30, 10 April 2016
Psalm 3
In our series of songs that we would never hear from the weekly RCL selections ('Skips'), Psalm 3 is an early gap, the first omission in the Psalter in fact. Perhaps we can see why they skipped this one: Surely you will strike all my enemies across the face, you will break the teeth of the wicked. (v.7) Great Sunday morning … Continue reading Psalm 3
Psalms in the South 