A joyful package suitable to a joyful occasion, these three songs for Christmas Eve and Day sing out in praise of the creator, the source of goodness, and a responsive jubilant creation. Psalm 96 begins with the much-sung 'Sing to God a new song'. Sure enough, there are dozens of settings ancient and modern of this psalm -- … Continue reading Psalms 96 to 98, Christmas 2015
Psalm 80, 20 Dec 15
With the Song of Mary as the canticle of the week and Christmas carols in the air, Psalm 80 is not likely to be much heard. Still, it's worth a look for several reasons. The modern reader might be mystified by the historical references that come up early in the song; you might dig Israel and Joseph but why … Continue reading Psalm 80, 20 Dec 15
First song of Isaiah, 13 Dec 15
As we noted two weeks ago, we are into canticles or individual songs of praise (from the Latin canticulum meaning little song) in the place of the psalm during Advent. Which ones? Which texts are accepted as canticles is another question. Different church traditions tend to use different lists. One web-site lists dozens of them which, it … Continue reading First song of Isaiah, 13 Dec 15
Cloud-capp’d towers
You won't find that little phrase in the psalms: but poetic imagery is there in spades. Part of the fascination of the psalter is the special place in our lives of poetry set to music. As noted previously, the synergy of music and word is somehow magical -- a classic case of the sum being greater than the … Continue reading Cloud-capp’d towers
Benedictus (Zechariah), 6 Dec 2015
The lectionary in some seasons substitutes a canticle or other reading for the psalm. We can hardly feel short-changed: we sing most of the psalms over the three-year (weekly) cycle, compared with less than 10% of the rest of the Bible. Anne Richardson, of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, writes: All three of the non-Psalm options in … Continue reading Benedictus (Zechariah), 6 Dec 2015
Psalm 25, 29 Nov 15
Psalm 25, an acrostic psalm in Hebrew, runs to 22 verses. The alphabetical arrangement is lost in our translations. The psalmist seems to swing between two states, first soaring then penitential. Our selection is the first ten, more aspirational, verses. David then goes on to lament his failings and seek forgiveness in the second half. Here's the … Continue reading Psalm 25, 29 Nov 15
Psalm 132 and 93, 22 Nov 15
If you want to concentrate on the Kingship of Christ, then you'd choose the second psalm listed, Psalm 93 (texts>): The LORD is king, robed in majesty, girded with strength. He has established the world; it shall never be moved; your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting. (93:1,2) The associated Old Testament … Continue reading Psalm 132 and 93, 22 Nov 15
Psalm 16, 15 Nov 2015
Most weeks I look up the lectionary and, lacking a reliable (let alone encyclopaedic) memory, the first thing I do is look back in this blog history or my Psalm Library to see what goodies I have in the cupboard from last time. There I find a couple of settings of Psalm 16 and things that I … Continue reading Psalm 16, 15 Nov 2015
Psalm 34, 25 Oct 15
This week's readings are all about restoration after being pulled backwards through that briar bush. Job in the OT reading is happy and rich again and has lots of sheep and children. To add to the sense of drama, the storyteller just has to point out that even Job's three beautiful daughters receive a portion … Continue reading Psalm 34, 25 Oct 15
Psalm 104, 18 Oct 15
Here you have classic arm-waving poetry, the poet overcome by the glory and power of the creation -- and Creator. His or her feelings are quite infectious: Bless God, O my soul. O my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honor and majesty, wrapped in light as with a garment. You stretch … Continue reading Psalm 104, 18 Oct 15
Psalms in the South 