Psalm 105 is a song of praise, as indeed are 106 and 107 that follow. The opening lines sound familiar, as such phrases occur throughout the Bible: Confitemini Domino et invocate nomen ejus Give glory to the Lord, and call upon his name The next verse narrows the focus to set the theme as historical narrative, evidence that has provided confidence for … Continue reading Psalm 105, 27 July 14
Psalm 139, 20 July 2014
What you see and what you think you see are not always the same thing. Is this an image of smoke-rings, a bicycle or a piece of post-modern art?Have you ever thought you knew someone well only to find out they have a very different side to them from that which you have known?This may be … Continue reading Psalm 139, 20 July 2014
Psalm 119:105ff 13 July 2014
Enter '119' in the Search field at right and you come up with four posts on this psalm over less than a year -- this one makes five. Five times out of 150 psalms is favouritism, surely? No; at 176 verses this is longest psalm -- and the longest chapter in the Bible. So we've been taking small … Continue reading Psalm 119:105ff 13 July 2014
Crystal Ball, July to September 14
The Crystal Ball post for June did not quite foresee how lovely the music selections would turn out to be these last weeks. Many thanks to our singers in various combinations for not just good song but also for enthusiasm, support and interpretation of this engaging and meaningful poetry. The current snapshot Singers are invited to sign up … Continue reading Crystal Ball, July to September 14
Song of songs, 6 July 14
In place of the set psalm this week, we find a reading of that lovely poetry of The Song of songs, or of Solomon. It's a small emotional poem of love and devotion: Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the young women Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among … Continue reading Song of songs, 6 July 14
Psalm 13, 29 June 14 – How long?
This Sunday we hear a simple but urgent lament in Psalm 13, in which the key question is 'How long?' That internal anxious silence before we receive an inkling of an answer, some source of relief, comfort or bounty - all ideas that jostle into the six short verses of this lament. How long have you forgotten … Continue reading Psalm 13, 29 June 14 – How long?
Psalm 8, Trinity Sunday 15 June 14
'Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings', according to Psalm 8, comes not precocious wisdom and truth - as is the modern common usage of this phrase - but strength or a bulwark ordained in heaven. The very existence of each new child speaks of the power and wonder of creation. Then comes a familiar … Continue reading Psalm 8, Trinity Sunday 15 June 14
Psalm 68, 1 June 2014
The merry month of May, with its beautiful autumn leaves and the busy international music festival, departs. Only three weeks to the shortest day of the year when Keith, returning from the wilds of Celtic islands in another hemisphere, will lead a worship service at South Woden at the Winter Solstice. But for this Sunday, it's the first ten … Continue reading Psalm 68, 1 June 2014
Crystal ball June 14 et seq.
The Crystal Ball post in February pointed out that there is an evolving psalm selection plan spreadsheet on Dropbox (ask for access if you wish). The current snapshot, for which singers are invited, looks something like this (subject always to worship plan decisions by RevR or other leader of the day): 1 June Psalm 68 with a … Continue reading Crystal ball June 14 et seq.
Psalm 66, 25 May 14
This psalm is a cry of joy for divine guidance and deliverance. Come and hear, you who fear our maker, as I tell how God rescued my soul I cried to God and was answered; God's praise is ever on my lips (vv. 8, 9) The psalmist feels that he has been pulled through the … Continue reading Psalm 66, 25 May 14
Psalms in the South 