At last, here is the last psalm in the book. It only appears once in the three year cycle, Easter Year C. So here we are, and pleased to welcome this short joyful, musical finale. The psalm The six short verses of Psalm 150 call us to praise God in creation. No specific reasons are adduced, … Continue reading Psalm 150, 3 April 2016
Psalm 118, Easter Sunday 2016
Yes, it's 118 again. This is the day that the Lord hath made, that building block and several other ringing and memorable statements of hope and trust appear in this favourite. Not much new here, so a little ramble is in order. There are dozens of settings of this psalm, including some classical pieces by … Continue reading Psalm 118, Easter Sunday 2016
Psalm 22, Good Friday 25 Mar 2016
A review of the index pages tells me that Psalm 22 (lectionary readings here>) has been sung each year for the last three; but only one of those was for Good Friday. Singing is often very limited or even absent in this observance. The occurrence of this psalm on Good Friday is of course due to verse … Continue reading Psalm 22, Good Friday 25 Mar 2016
Skipping, 70, 64
The 'Skip and jump' series (see this earlier post of Jan 2016) started off to fill the gaps -- the psalms we do not hear. Psalm 70 only qualifies if you do not observe daily worship for Holy Week (which is South Woden). Those who do will hear (hopefully sing) this one on Wednesday thereof. (You will also hear 36 … Continue reading Skipping, 70, 64
Psalms for palms; 118, 31
After a couple of opening verses of Psalm 118 proclaiming divine goodness and mercy, the lectionary (liturgy of the palms) cuts to the second half. As Jesus enters the gates of Jerusalem, so here: Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter them and praise God. (v. 19) That corner stone now appears. The … Continue reading Psalms for palms; 118, 31
Possibly a bit harsh
You alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. (Ps.16:5)
Psalm 126, 13 March 2016
Psalm 126, a song of ascent, contains one of the great scriptural narratives. The sower goes out with seed, responding to the ever-changing seasons, renewing a livelihood. It's not easy. Drought comes -- or floods, birds and animals. Weeds grow to choke the good seed. However: May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. … Continue reading Psalm 126, 13 March 2016
Psalm 32, 6 March 2016
International Women's Day on 8 March is an important day in many churches including South Woden, a community who has long valued inclusive and egalitarian policies and practices. One cannot define the divine in terms of our own human gender. Our practice here as we sing psalm verses is carefully to paraphrase the sung text to … Continue reading Psalm 32, 6 March 2016
Psalm 63, 28 Feb 2016
Just like last week, Psalm 63 for Lent 3 holds familiar words and imagery, water this time rather than light: You are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. (Ps. 63:1) The preceding lectionary reading from the Old … Continue reading Psalm 63, 28 Feb 2016
Psalm 27, 21 Feb 2016
God is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? Light -- the light of the world (John 8:12) and light upon the path (Psalm 119:105) -- is a theme found in many psalms, in words that have become familiar by virtue of repetition and songs based on such verses. This psalm offers encouragement, weaving together two threads of thought. … Continue reading Psalm 27, 21 Feb 2016
Psalms in the South 